few vehicles in the dead of night. “I went out in the morning and my truck door was open, it was very peculiar, I didn’t think I left it open,” Pam Sayne, Minden Hills councillor said in a July 15 telephone interview, noting a second vehicle also had its doors open. “We were concerned as to what was going
EMILY STONEHOUSE Editor
The Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Haliburton and Kawartha Lakes, Laurie Scott, made an appearance at the Summit Wellness Centre in Coboconk last Tuesday to make an announcement on the future of healthcare in the area.
The Kawartha Lakes Haliburton Ontario Health Team (KLH-OHT), in collaboration with the Kawartha North Family Health Team is set to receive over $3.4 million to expand interprofessional primary health care teams. “It’s hard everywhere,” said Scott in a phone interview following the announcement. “But it’s harder here in northern Ontario. Through this, we’re able to reach more people who need support.”
According to the press release, this funding will help connect up to 6,902 people to primary care in the City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County.
The Kawartha North Family Health Team, with Marina Hodson at the helm, has been offering a walk-in style urgent care clinic since June of 2023 in the former
Minden emergency room site.
The team was selected to receive the funding based on a postal code, identifying the highest number of residents not connected to primary care.
“This funding enables us to deliver on our community’s long-standing need for equitable, local access to high-quality primary care,” said Hodson. “It’s a game changer for patients, especially in our rural and underserved communities.”
Scott noted that there is no direct capital with the funding, rather, it focuses on offering support to existing teams and infrastructure. “It’s part of the medical neighbourhood model,” she said. The press release noted that capacity will be increased by “new interprofessional teams in Coboconk, Woodville, and Minden.”
It was noted that the impacted healthcare teams will roll the programming out based on their own internal processes, and will communicate this to their local communities on their own timelines.
“This investment of over $3.4 million to expand primary care services in the City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County is a vital step toward connecting thousands of local residents to the care they deserve,”
Camp Day is one of the major fundraisers put on my the restaurant chain Tim Hortons, and is celebrated across the county every summer. The focus for the fundraiser is to raise money for kids to attend camp, allowing an even playing field for all participants, regardless of economic background. Last year, the two stores in Haliburton and Minden combined their efforts and raised $8,728, and this year, they worked hard to raise $13,111. Below, staff at the Minden Tim Hortons decorated the drive-thru window in celebration of Camp Day on July 16.
/EMILY STONEHOUSE staff
said Scott. “By building on existing infrastructure and supporting all healthcare providers across the system, this initiative will strengthen team-based care and enhance access to publicly funded high-quality primary healthcare in underserved communities.”
This funding is a part of the $2.1 billion the Ontario government is investing to support the Primary Care Action Plan, which aims to provide 300 new primary care teams across the province. This includes $235 million in 2025-26 that in part is supporting over 130 new and expanded primary care teams in Ontario.
While the funding does not directly link individuals to a specific family doctor, the model allows for individuals to be assessed based on their needs. Interprofessional primary care teams connect people to a range of health professionals who work together under one roof, including registered practical nurses, physiotherapists, social workers, and pharmacists, which aims to help patients to receive more connected and convenient care. “It also keeps people out of the emergency room,” noted Scott.
“It is very big news,” she said. “This will go to the areas with the most people in need.”
ADAM FRISK
Journalist
An air quality warning was issued last week for Haliburton County as wildfire smoke blanketed the region.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued a special air quality statement on July 13 for the area, warning of deteriorating air quality and reduced visibility.
“Smoke from forest fires over northern Ontario has moved into the area, causing the air quality to deteriorate,” ECCC said in the statement, adding that the smoke was expected to linger in the air until July 15.
By late Sunday afternoon, the smoke reached ground level in many parts of the county, and was thick enough to taste and smell.
Full-time resident Pattie Davis of Little Kennisis was enjoying time at the lake when the smoke began to move in.
“When the system came in it was noticeable and not only was it really smoky but you could even smell it,” Davis said in a July 14 interview. “It almost smelled rubbery. I thought a vehicle was on fire actually because it was pretty dense when it came through.”
The resident said she just got settled at the lake and once she began to smell and observe the smoke, she immediately took precautions.
“Oh we went right in, because we just came out and we went down to the lake and we noticed it,” Davis said. “Then I’m like OK we can smell rubber so we’re out.”
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge
(HKPR) District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health issued an air quality warning on Monday morning, advising residents to take precautions by limiting time outside as the Air Quality Health Index was expected to reach a high risk level.
“Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities, especially if you experience symptoms like coughing or throat irritation,” HKPR said in the statement.
Smoke from these fires can pose a serious health risk. When the air quality health index reaches the seven to 10 range, or moderate to high risk levels, the vulnerable population, including children and elderly, should reduce time spent outdoors, HKPR said.
Peterborough resident Andrew Shedden was visiting Haliburton Village, having some lunch at Head Lake Park, and said the smoke was quite noticeable during the drive up.
“It’s definitely noticeable, it’s very, very hazy,” he said. “It’s a little difficult to breathe normally. We’ll be heading back inside after finishing our lunch.”
However, some residents and visitors said they didn’t seem to notice the smoke so much by Monday afternoon and weren’t bothered by it.
“We noticed it last night when the sun was setting and it was really hazy out. But then we woke up this morning and it was a lot more blue sky, and less haze” said Toronto resident Louise O’Shea, who was enjoying the beach at Head Lake with her family. “It hasn’t really bothered us, we’re outside and enjoying the lake and beach.
The air quality advisory for the area ended late Monday.
EMILY STONEHOUSE Editor
It’s a beacon of light, a symbol of times gone by. “When you picture Haliburton, the Molou sign is one of the first things to come to mind,” said Joel Finkelstein, the most recent owner of the former Molou Theatre in downtown Haliburton.
Finkelstein spent his summers in the area, roughing it at Camp Northland and cottaging with friends on Eagle Lake.
He instantly fell in love with the region. And not just the lakes and the rivers, but the people, the community, and the businesses. He has vivid memories of exploring the forests, of dining downtown, of seeing the sparkle of the Molou sign in the 1970s. “I saw many a movie there,” he laughed.
That’s why, when he had the opportunity to return to the Haliburton Highlands - this time as an adult, he wanted to give back. “I wanted to buy the Molou,” he said.
Four years ago, the building was owned by siblings Allan and Stan Consky, and their sister, Lynda Stoller. The trio grew up in Haliburton with their parents, Molly and Lou (whose names combine to form the famous Molou, of course).
When the theatre opened in the 1940s, Stan and Allan were trained on the projectors, while Lynda handled the candy counter. “I remember each week, we would get the fliers with the upcoming shows,” recalled Lynda. “It was our job to fold them up and distribute them to
the lodges around town.”
“It’s different now,” recalled Stan. “There were 12 lodges on the Lake (Kashagawigamog), and they would all come in to see the movies. The theatre would bring 100 to 600 people in a night.”
Stan recalled when tickets were 36 cents for an adult, 18 cents for a child. “It used to light up the town,” he said, reminiscing on the days where the lineups to get into see a show were looped around the block.
He shared a clear memory of the Molou sign being installed. “We had to use a tow truck from Curry Motors to get it up there,” he chuckled.
And it’s stood there for decades. The iconic orange background with the neon lights and Edison bulbs flashing around the border. “The Molou was what brought the community to life,” remembered Finkelstein, noting that at one point, it’s likely that Lynda handed him candy before a film viewing in the 1970s; a lifetime before they knew one another in this context.
Like all good things, the era of the movie theatre gradually petered out, with the last showing in August of 2010. “The hardest thing we ever had to do was sell that building,” said Lynda. “If we were younger, we would have kept it going,” added Stan.
This is where Joel Finkelstein comes into the picture. At the time, he was already deeply tied to the region, having opened up an orthopaedic clinic at the Minden hospital site that had been met with success for nearly 20 years. But he and his business partner, Elliot Green-
It’s different now ... the theatre would bring 100 to 600 people in a night.
— Stan Consky
to change the whole building,” said Finkelstein. “They wanted to take down the Molou sign, add their own sign, I said no. It has to be for the locals.”
berg, had been eyeing the Molou property. It wasn’t just a business, it was a cache of memories, a destination for dreamers. “I knew we had to buy it,” he said.
But he didn’t buy it just to slap his own name on the iconic space. “I wanted to buy it and bring it back to the community,” he said. The current tenants of the Molou building are Needful Things, “and they’re great tenants,” said Finkelstein. But he’s looking to add more shops to the space.
Currently, there are 800 square feet near the back of the building that Finkelstein is looking to rent out to a local business operator. The space could accommodate a patio, a retail shop, or a restaurant at the back of the beloved Molou space. But there’s one rule: no franchise businesses. It must be local operators. “I was approached by a franchise who wanted
Upon hearing this over coffee, Lynda lit up. Reminiscing about the sign and the theatre for the newspaper article brought the group together, and what was once a business deal, the conversation organically turned personal. “We know we sold to the right person, then,” she beamed. Lynda, Stan, and Allan all reside in Toronto these days, but call Haliburton ‘home’ for the summer months. “This will always be our home,” mused Lynda. And while the movie theatre is no longer showing films, the space where the memories and the magic happened is still alive and well under the twinkle of the Molou sign. “The sign is just the beginning,” said Finkelstein.
Just a few short weeks ago, Finkelstein brought in local electrician Gerald Sharp to tackle the long-dormant sign. With a few new bulbs and some modern rewiring, the sign shines again, attached to a timer that flicks on at dusk each evening. And the community has noticed. A video of the twinkling sign was posted on Facebook, with over 500 likes and dozens of comments connecting the community to their memories. “Brings back many memories … all good! I even sold popcorn there one summer!” recalled one. “I love this so much,” says another, “I wish I had a time machine …”
It’s a beacon of light, a symbol of times gone by, while simultaneously being a promise for the future. The first thing that comes to mind when you picture Haliburton: that twinkling Molou sign.
EMILY STONEHOUSE Editor
A good cause and a sunny day on the golf course; what could be better than that?
Now back in its third year, the Matt Duchene Charity Golf Classic had Mother Nature on its side when 180 golfers teed off last Friday, July 18 at Blairhamptom Golf Course.
“Our community deserves the best care they can get,” said Matt when he arrived on the course. “Plus, it’s always a fun day.”
While this is the third year that the tournament has been run with Duchene on the forefront, it’s been played for nearly 30 years in support of the Haliburton Highlands Health Services Foundation.
It was started by the Rotary Club of Haliburton, but through the COVID-19 years, the buzz around the event petered off. That’s when co-chairs, Troy Austen, a director with the Foundation, sat down with long-time friend and colleague, Vince Duchene. “We’d played the tournament every year since it started,” said Austen. “So we wanted to see it come back to life.”
Vince Duchene looped in his son, Matt, who now plays in the National Hockey League for the Dallas Stars, and the rest is history. 180 golfers, hundreds of prizes, and last year, over $222,000 raised for the Foundation. “That makes a pretty big dent in what is needed,” said Matt.
While Troy Austen and Vince Duchene sit as co-chairs for the annual tournament, they both gave a big nod to Susannah Moylan, the event manager for the day, and a fellow director with the Foundation. “Without her, absolutely none of this would have happened,” said Austen. “It would not be what it is, it would not be this big.”
Moylan gave credit to the over 60 volunteers that helped out day-of, as well as the sponsors and donors. “It’s really a combined effort,” she nodded.
Austen echoed that sentiment. “The whole community comes together for this,” he said, noting Ridgewood Ford as their presenting sponsor, breakfast provided by the local Tim Hortons owners, lunch provided by McFadden’s Meat Market, the Eagle Lake Country Market, and the West Guilford Shopping Centre, to name a few. “People in this community have just wanted to support it,” he said. “Everybody wants to help.”
This year, organizers didn’t have a specific fundraising goal in mind, but wanted to topple last year of over $200,000. Once all was said and done, the organizers announced that they had surpassed $233,000. “This event has a profound impact on the HHHS Foundation,” said Melanie Klodt Wong, the executive director of the Foundation. “We are thankful to everyone in this generous community for coming together for a fun-filled day in support of this important cause.”
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IWROTE THIS week about how the famous Molou sign in downtown Haliburton has once again been lit up.
On the surface, maybe this doesn’t seem like a newsworthy item. But quite literally everyone I spoke with prior to the story going live said to me “I’m so glad you’re writing a story on this!”
So it is big news to a small town. Not because of the lightbulbs and the neon.
But because of what it represents: a celebration of the past, a promise of light in the future. It felt like an important story to write. I sat down with the kids of Molly and Lou of Molou fame. Now on the senior side themselves, they had memories of popcorn and candy counters and old-fashioned projectors. People who have seen the very roots of our community take seed.
It’s a delicate line to walk. While no one wants to be the person to knock down the historical space, there are others who know that the decrepit haunt is beyond repair. A lawn may be more welcome than the crumbling ruins of the Beaver.
But it’s fun to look back. When I sat with the Consky family, they painted a picture of days gone by in the Haliburton Highlands. How hundreds would flock in from the dozens of resorts that peppered the major lakes. Dressed to the nines and buying movie tickets for a mere matter of cents.
And who would have thought that a movie theatre would be at the heart of a community. When the new owners posted on Facebook that the sign had been lit up once again, the feedback was palpable. Hundreds sharing their memories of the space. The popcorn. The ambiance. The sweets.
At one point, the family who owned the Molou also owned the Beaver Theatre in Minden. While the Molou has found its second wind, the Beaver sits dormant, housing only a large population of resident pigeons.
Is the Beaver dead? Visions and dreams have swirled around the community like the current of the Gull, but nothing seems to come of it.
It was a different time. That era of shared experiences through cinema. When the privilege of watching movies didn’t come at the flick of a switch, rather, it was an event unto itself.
It was something that died out not that long ago. The last Molou movie was shown in the summer of 2010. I myself spent many a Friday evening at the theatre. I couldn’t tell you exactly what movie I saw, but I remember the experience. The popcorn, the ambiance, the sweets.
We don’t need to bring the Beaver back. But we need to do something. Something as small as adding lights to the Molou was enough to captivate a community, to reminisce on times gone by. Because the very roots of our community have been severed and torn in that space. We need opportunities to plant them again; a celebration of the past, a promise of light in the future.
TO the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, as of June 30, 2025 over 17,000 Canadians have been victims of fraud collectively losing $342 million. One scam that has recently seen a resurgence is the “bank investigator scam.”
With the bank investigator scam, the bad guys pose as your bank’s fraud investigators. They call you over the phone and tell you that there has been a fraudulent transaction on your account. They take you through steps to “protect your account” (they aren’t protecting your account) that involve logging into your banking app, completing a transaction, and sharing a code texted to your phone. The scammers are then able to steal money from those accounts.
The bank investigator scam isn’t new, but recent iterations of the scam have made it easier to trick victims. First, it seems the scammers have at least some information about the victim prior to contacting them by phone. This can include full names, partial debit or credit card numbers, and proper bank names. Second, the scammers have altered their caller ID to look like the phone call is coming from the victim’s bank, a practice called spoofing. With a little bit of information and some authoritative bluster, scammers have been able to fleece tens of thousands of dollars from their victims in recent months.
One of the reasons this scam works is it preys upon a feeling of urgency. How would you feel if someone told you your bank account had been compromised by bad guys and was being drained of the money you need to pay for your groceries? Panicked, right? Scammers use this panic to stop us from thinking about what we are doing, and to comply with what they tell us to do. They also prey upon a respect for authority. If the person is a fraud investigator, or police, or other authority figure, we should do what they say, right? Scammers us these common reactions to socially engineer the exact right circumstances to trick you out of your money and other private information.
So how do you protect yourself from these scams?
If you answer a call that appears to be from your bank and claims to be investigating fraudulent account activity on your account, don’t panic. Scammers will try to make you hand over sensitive information to them as quickly as possible, however, you have time. Take the time to breathe, calm yourself, think clearly, and … hang up the phone. Yup. Hang up on them. Pull your physical debit card out of your wallet and call the number on the back of that. You can trust that the number on the back of your debit card is legitimate, but you can’t fully trust that caller ID.
As much as caller ID is a modern marvel that lets us screen our calls, it is also easily manipulated. Sometimes this is for perfectly acceptable reasons – some big organizations with multiple locations will set their caller ID to be their main callback number to provide more immediate service, for example. Sometimes though, scammers change their caller ID to fool you into thinking they are calling from your bank. Always be a bit wary of caller ID.
It’s also important to protect your sensitive information generally – this includes setting up multifactor authentication (MFA) and having complex passwords on any account that supports it and do not reuse passwords from one account to the next. If you do get a scam call where they seem to have more information about you than would be found in the phone book, change the passwords on your important accounts. It might mean that some online service you used somewhere may have had a breach even if you weren’t informed about it. If you have MFA set up, this is less of a problem, but it’s cheap insurance to change those passwords anyway. Remember, never share MFA codes with anyone.
Another aspect of the bank investigator scam that’s been seen in Ottawa, Montreal, and Peterborough, is that in some cases scammers will visit your house and ask you to hand over your debit card. Do not do this, don’t let the person into your home, and make sure to report something like this to your local police.
Finally, make sure you fully understand your bank’s cardholder agreements. Most agreements will include your responsibilities when it comes to keeping your account details secure, reporting fraud, and what constitutes an unauthorized transaction – all of which can affect whether you can recover those funds.
Being a victim of fraud comes with feelings of embarrassment and shame, but scammers rely on this too. If you think you have been a victim of fraud, make sure to tell someone you trust and the correct authorities.
THIS WEEK, I am grandfathering. Normally, I do this over FaceTime since my grandkids live in Nunavut. But, once a year, I do the practical test and have them over.
Right now, I am in the midst of that.
This one is quite the test because my granddaughter just turned four and my grandson is almost nine. As most grandfathers can confirm, these are two very different demographics. One has reached the point where they consider my jokes are cerebral and sophisticated, and my grandson calls them immature.
But every now and then I strike pay dirt with Hudson. Such was the case yesterday when we were returning home from a very hot day at the park.
Hudson, ever the practical type, said, “I wish we could put ice cubes on our heads right now.”
I was going to tell him about the miracle of air conditioning, but then I thought better of it. After all, for most of the year, there is not a lot of call for air conditioning in Nunavut. I suspect this is partly because there is so much ice to put on your head.
So, as the rare silence hung in the air, I thought of a way to engage again.
“You know,” I began, “that reminds me of a song everyone used to sing when I was a kid. It was called Ice Cubes on Your Head.
Jenn rolled her eyes, and said, “Oh no.” Which wasn’t helpful.
“How did it go?” Hudson said.
Fortunately, I am a natural songwriter who is very good under pressure.
So, I began.
When I was young my face was hot and red,
So I put some ice cubes on my head.
My brother called me a silly Rube Cause on top of my head I had one ice cube … I’m not going to lie to you. I even surprised myself.
“Is there more?” Hudson asked.
“No!” snapped Jenn.
“In fact, there is,” I replied. And so I continued. A cube is very, very nice, Especially when it is filled with ice, Most people just put theirs in a drink, I like to put them where I think … By the time I had spat out that verse, I was seriously thinking about my Grammy speech. The kids were suitably impressed too. Casey even went so far as to look up from her Barbie. Hudson, on the other hand, smiled and said, “Is this a song you really used to sing when you were a kid?”
It’s at this inflection point where a grandpa needs to decide whether to tell the truth or lie. Most grandpas…
As for me, I have mastered the art of dodging the question. So I wowed them with verse three.
An ice cube on your head is super cool, Though it makes you look just like a fool, There’s no better way to beat the heat, Except for an ice cube on your feet.
“Isn’t that great kids?” Jenn cut in. “Oompah sang the entire song. There’s no more verses! Not a one! He’s done. Don’t ask for an encore!”
One hit and she was already managing me.
“He made that whole song up!” Hudson announced. “No, he didn’t,” Casey said. “That’s way too good!”
I was rooting for her, until Hudson countered with, “Sure he did. Oompah’s a genius.”
I’m still trying to figure out which one I love most.
The ticket stand at the Molou Theatre in 1948. Stan Consky, former owner, believed that the Molou was the first concrete block structure on the main street. The second floor of the projection suite had a poured concrete floor. It was apparently the first second storey concrete floor in Haliburton. Concrete blocks were manufactured on site. Do you have memories of the Molou? If so, share your stories with emily@haliburtonpress.com. /submit-
ted by Stan Consky
ITFELT as though the sun was going right through her skin. Nonetheless Cindy wanted a tan and was determined to put up with the discomfort of a very hot afternoon.
In the early sixties, a summer tan represented many things to Cindy and her friends. The ‘California’ look was very popular and every young female wanted to match the tanned, blonde image. So here she sat, watching her father and brother approaching in the family’s new motor boat.
There was a time when Cindy thought they’d never achieve such a boat for their family. Although they had a cottage, it was a modest one with a modest boat to go with it. Cindy couldn’t water ski behind it. And she desperately wanted to learn how to ski. She had been surreptitiously watching the older, tanned skiers at the lake’s regatta. Long fair hair brushed the middle of their backs as their slim tanned figures sauntered through the crowded beach scene. Boat races notwithstanding, Cindy saw how the boys’ eyes all gravitated towards these young goddesses.
going to learn to water ski. Her brother was dismissive of the idea, saying she would never manage to get up on skis because she didn’t have the arm strength. But Cindy planned to prove him wrong. The friendly neighbour one cottage over was instructing her on technique so she was ready to begin. Her father slowed the boat to a crawl, then put it in neutral while Cindy slipped on the skis, grabbed the tow rope and slid back into the water. She could have sworn her sun-baked skin hissed as it hit the cool liquid.
Then, with a signalling shout, the boat surged forward in a powerful lunge. Cindy travelled about five feet before tumbling off. This was going to be harder than she had anticipated. But she was determined and her friendly neighbour encouraged her to try again. And again and again.
Now her arms were aching, her knees shook with exertion and even from the distance, she could see her brother smirking. That smirk kept her trying even though she really wanted to give up.
But Cindy was shorter, plumper and whiter. Her hair’s short curls frizzed in the summer humidity and last year’s bathing suit was looking faded and shapeless to her eyes. She knew she couldn’t change much of her appearance but was convinced that if she could water ski, a new world would somehow open up for her.
So here was her chance. Today she was
Then as though by magic she was up and still holding on. Although not the prettiest of pictures as she leaned forward awkwardly, she was definitely water skiing for the first time in her life. Spray lashed her legs, strain pulled her shoulders and elation filled her heart. Now if she could get a good tan and a new bathing suit, her life would really be on track.
To the Editor,
I would just like to say a “HUGE” thanks to my friends and family for making my 80th birthday a celebration I will not forget for a long time. An event that went on for four days.
Dinner at the Mill Pond, then the Peppermill on the same Day; 32 friends and family at McKeck’s the next day; and dinner at the Rhubarb the next day! And time spent with my friends from South Carolina, U.S.A. And all of it was a total surprise to me. Special thanks to my amazing friends: Dagmar,
Deb, Rita, Kate, and Jackie. A lot of time and effort in putting this together. Also my brother and sister-in-law from Hastings for keeping this a secret. Also friends from St. Catherines, Hamilton, Waterdown, Havelock and Guelph. Special thanks to Dagmar for getting my friends from the states at the
Toronto Airport very early in the morning. And thank you to those who made a donation to the “Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Foundation.”
Thank you, thank you, thank you all.
Liz Jesseman, Haliburton
On a cool autumn day in 1948, Victoria Nash delivers late-season peaches from her family’s farm set amid the wild beauty of Colorado. As she heads into her village, a disheveled stranger stops to ask her the way. How she chooses to answer will unknowingly alter the course of both their young lives.
So begins the mesmerizing story of split-second choices and courageous acts that propel Victoria away from the only home she has ever known. Spinning through the eddies of desire, heartbreak and betrayal, she will arrive at a single rocky decision that will change her life forever.
Go As a River by Shelley Read is available to borrow from the Haliburton County Public Library.
THOMAS SMITH Journalist
Local resident Karen Koehler has added another medal to her shelf placing first in her age category at the Limberlost Challenge 2025, hosted at the Limberlost Forest and Reserve in Huntsville.
A known skijorer and bikejorer, Koehler utilizes the summer months to train herself to keep in prime physical condition. She even says that she prefers trail running or running on pavement as it cushions your fall and is easier on your body.
“It was a great run,” said Koehler. “I’m holding my own at 52.”
Koehler used the challenge to prepare herself for the world championship bikejoring competition that will be held in Minocqua, Wisconsin in October this year. She knows not to push her dogs in the heat. In the summer, they get their exercise through free running when the temperature is cool and jumping off her dock into the lake.
Koehler’s business, Wellness for You and Your Canine, is switching gears to Buncho Momentum. Her goal is to provide health and wellness training to more individuals, without limiting her offerings to those with canine comrades.
“My client base has been mostly women over 40 and some have dogs and some don’t,” said Koehler.
As a woman over the age of 50, she knows too well that physical fitness and diet is important to maintaining your energy, flexibility, and happiness to keep up with your family.
One health concern for aging individuals is osteoporosis, when bones can
What: Lead Local: Womxn of Haliburton County – a community gathering to uplift and amplify the voices of local womxn and gender-diverse individuals through small group discussion and collective sharing.
Who : Jessica Slade (Civics with Slade) and Shay Hutchings (Reform + Restore Wellness Hub)
Where : Reform & Restore: Wellness Hub
135 Industrial Park Road, Haliburton
When: Monday, July 28
6 to 8 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Why : This event was created in
and Buncho
has now rebranded
become brittle and weak. Koehler recommends weight lifting to prevent it and reduce its impact that osteoporosis can have on the body.
“It’s super important,” said Koehler. “If we can get up and move, then we can have independence. Women need to lift heavy weights.”
Koehler’s training regiment is all about reaching your goals and knowing that when you are moving, you are healing.
“I am feeling healthier at 52 than I was in my thirties,” said Koehler.
Koehler assures that exercising can be something that is fun, healthy for your body, and you will see your energy levels
increase throughout training.
Buncho Momentum offers women over the age of 40 to have personal training with Koehler, either over Zoom or in-person.
“Buncho was the youngest of my first four beloved powerhouse dogs with lines from Norway that brought me the momentum to attain my best fitness and fulfilment level ever,” said Koehler. Through training over time, Koehler is confident that her clients will maintain the habits that are built up with her, and
loves seeing her clients get excited from getting stronger, tone their bodies, and have more energy.
Koehler says that getting exercise helps her manage life’s stressors and she is confident that it has helped her in all aspects of her life including relationships, career, and spirituality.
Koehler also has two local talks planned in the county called “Three Keys to Unleash Strength, Joy and Fulfilment in Your Next Chapter.” The talk is open to all women over the age of 40 that are interested in anyone wanting to renew their energy, strength, and joy in their lives.
“If you’re cheering someone on, younger and curious, or just love the vibe; fun, movement, and building momentum, at your own pace, sign up,” said Koehler.
The first presentation will take place on July 30 at the Howard Roberts Room at the Dysart library branch of the Haliburton County Public Library from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Her second presentation will take place in the Welch Room of the Minden branch of the library on Aug. 20 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. A portion of the price of attendance will be donated back towards the local food banks.
Koehler’s new website for her business is bunchomomentum.com and tickets for the talks can be purchased on her website under Summer Talks.
Koehler has not given up training for skijoring entirely and asked that anyone that is interested in skijoring or her outdoors experience to visit yoursoutdoors. ca.
response to the many ideas, concerns, and aspirations shared with Jessica and Shay through their work in the community. It offers a dedicated space for womxn and gender-diverse individuals to voice what matters most to them – from local challenges to big-picture hopes – and ensures that feedback is documented and directed to the appropriate municipal, provincial, or federal leaders.
Register here: www.eventbrite.ca/e/ lead-local-womxn-of-haliburton-countyregistration-1374759345209
Submitted
Back for our fourth year of fabulous Queer
A night of laughter and fun with a group of hilarious pro comedians from our 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Created in partnership with at Gay AF Comedy, the 2025 Inspire Award winner for Queer Positive Business of the Year.
Featuring the hilarious: Ted Morris, Heather Mariko, Robert Watson, Lou Currie, Jane Moote
Friday, July 25 - Sir Sam’s Ski & Bike $25 - This is a 19+ event.
Show starts at 7:30 p.m. But come early. Enjoy a drink on Haliburton’s Largest Patio or better yet: Dinner. Our fabulous friends at Sir Sam’s Eagle View Restaurant have created a delicious Pride Menu for the occasion. For details or reservations call 705-754-2298 ext. 230.
Submitted
While the Tuesday afternoon soccer athletes definitely felt the full effects of the hot and hazy atmosphere, the Thursday roster of players were fortunate to enjoy a much more comfortable setting for their matches on the soccer pitch, even though the looming threat of rain darkened the skies off to the east. Both days were once again filled with excitement, energy, and enthusiasm as youth athletes poured onto the fields and gave everything they had. The development and refinement of new soccer skills is becoming more noticeable with each passing game, and these players are beginning to perform more like a cohesive and confident team every single week. As the parents, family members, and friends watch proudly from the sidelines, these young strikers and defenders are embracing the challenge and rising to meet it with determination, passion, and a true love for the sport. The pursuit of victory, paired with the joy of working together alongside both new and familiar teammates, is creating an unforgettable experience out on the pitch. Everyone is already looking forward with excitement and anticipation to another great week of soccer ahead.
Submitted by Andrew Brown
Grassroots Soccer proudly sponsored
According to Marg Cox, the success of Point in Time lies within the dedication of the staff.
Following their recent AGM, the executive director took some time for a phone interview, to discuss the key points that arose from the organization that dedicates their energy and efforts to family support, mental health services, and youth justice in the Haliburton Highlands.
“I think it’s important that we recognized three staff members who have contributed a significant amount of their careers to Point in Time,” said Cox.
The first staff member featured was Kelly Harrison, who has spent 30 years with the organization. Harrison started out as an intake worker, before gradually evolving into the role of privacy officer and records and administration. “She’s a fantastic asset to the organization,” said Cox. “She knows a tremendous amount, and she’s very thorough and extremely knowledgeable.”
The second staff highlighted was Shelby MacMillan, who has dedicated ten years with Point in Time. MacMillan started her career with the organization as a placement student, and is currently the Youth Justice Lead. “She provides great tools to our leadership team,” said Cox. “And she keeps us all accountable.”
Lastly, Tiffany Jones was acknowledged for her five years with the team. “She’s really part of the woodwork here,” said Cox, of the early interventionist.
“And she’s got a deep understanding of our core values,” Cox credits the entire team with the successes of the organization over the years. “I think they’re what makes our agency really special,” she said. “They identify all the needs that folks may have, and they do help to meet those needs.”
whole person,” said Cox. “Not just the individual needs.”
She noted that there are many multifaceted issues in Haliburton County which garners attention from her staff. Things like housing, transportation, or food. “We can look at the big problems, but we can try to solve the little problems along the way,” she noted.
In terms of coming initiatives for the organization, Cox noted that they are currently in “a space crisis.” As of right now, the agency is spread across four separate buildings around Haliburton Village, with each space dedicating their capacity to different forms of care.
One of the most utilized spaces is the Youth Wellness Hub on Dysart Avenue. What started as a sprout of an idea prior to the COVID-19 pandemic has quickly evolved into a busy and bustling destination. “It’s really a hopping place,” said Cox. “It’s a success story. We are filled to the brim with youth attending for wellness as well as drop-in activities.”
One example Cox gave of going above and beyond, is the daily food pick-up from Foodland in Haliburton. She noted that the grocery store donates food on a daily basis, and every staff member takes turns picking it up, and delivering it to those in need. Every single day. “Part of our agency culture is about seeing the
Cox noted that by finding a space where the Youth Hub can be combined with their other buildings would offer a sense of collaboration amongst staff, as well as a space where individuals can access a variety of programs and services. “It would be for synergies as well as efficiencies,” she said.
While Point in Time does not have a destination in mind, Cox is cognizant of keeping an eye out, and working with the community in an effort to find the right fit. “It will create even more innovation for the agency,” she said. “So that’s still in the works.”
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cottage only to find the passenger side door of his wife’s vehicle open. At first he didn’t think much of it as he had family members staying at the house and were using the vehicle. Then he remembered the text message he received from Sayne shortly before about a bear in the area.
“I went over and sure enough there were paw prints on the vehicle and the door was open,” Gray said.
Gray said he immediately went inside and asked his daughter-in-law if she had mistakenly left the car door open. She hadn’t. So that’s when he decided to check the security footage.
“The footage doesn’t show the bear opening the passenger side door, it’s just out of camera sight but you can clearly see that the door is open,” he said. “Then it went around and opened the back driver side door, but it closed it again.”
And sure enough the video shows the black bear standing on its hind legs, opening the door, briefly popping its head inside the vehicle before closing the door.
Based on the footage, Gray estimated the bear had been mulling about in the area for about three hours, but didn’t cause any damage save for some mud on the seat of the car.
He posted the video footage on social media which garnered hundreds of views
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN t that the Corporation of the Township of Minden Hills has received applications to consider by-laws to stop up, close, and convey those parcels of land, being shoreline road allowances, more particularly described as follows:
1.File No. PLSRA2024053: Part of the original shore road allowance along the shore of Horseshoe Lake, lying in front of 1035 Meridian Court, located within Part Lot 12, Concession 5, Geographic Township of Minden
2.File No. PLSRA2024072: Part of the original shore road allowance along the shore of Gull Lake, lying in front of 1992 Deep Bay Road, located within Part Lot 20, Concession 10, Geographic Township of Lutterworth
3.File No. PLSRA2025033: Part of the original shore road allowance along the shore of Canning Lake, lying in front of 1016 Carefree Drive, located within Part Lot 11, Concession 14, Geographic Township of Snowdon
4.File No. PLSRA2025039: Part of the original shore road allowance along the shore of Kashagawigamog Lake, lying in front of 1032 Pilgrim Lane, located within Part Lot 25, Concession 5, Geographic Township of Minden
The above noted applications are available for inspection in the Planning Department located at 7 Milne Street, Minden, Ontario by appointment only. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the undersigned.
AND TAKE NOTICE should you wish to provide comments with respect to the above referenced applications, please submit in writing those comments to the undersigned not later than end of day on August 8, 2025.
AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE any person who claims that their land will be prejudicially affected is asked to contact the undersigned not later than August 8, 2025.
AND TAKE FURTHER NOTICE if deemed advisable, By-laws giving effect to the proposed closures and conveyances will be passed by the Council for the Corporation of the Township of Minden Hills. Please note that a Council meeting to consider By-laws for the above referenced applications will be scheduled at a later date following the requiste commenting period.
Donna Sisson
Clerical Assistant, Building, By-Law and Planning Township of Minden Hills
705-286-1260 Ext. 509 dsisson@mindenhills.ca
and witty comments, naturally, but also others reporting bear sightings.
Resident Ken Russell had a similar incident with a bear on his property, but this time the bear managed to get inside a vehicle.
“It opened up the driver side rear door and went out the passenger side front door,” Russell said in a telephone interview. “And left the doors open.”
Like the other encounters, there was no damage to the vehicle.
“It was weird because there was stuff in there, like peanut butter and stuff in there,” Russell said. “And it never touched it. I couldn’t believe it.”
Russell said a fourth neighbour had the same thing happen on their property, not too far from the other incidents.
As for reporting the troublesome bear, Sayne said she tried the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) phone numbers to no avail. The councillor said she also left a message with the Ontario Provincial Police but did not receive a return phone call.
“It’s very frustrating,” she said. “People generally think that there’s no assistance from any levels of government to help address these situations, they don’t know what to do. There’s other stories trying to deal with bears and not getting any assistance.”
No other residents the Times spoke to said they reported the incidents to authorities.
In an email, a MNR spokesperson told the Times the bear reporting hotline has received “a relatively lower number of calls in the Minden area” so far this year.
“Many of these black bear sightings that have been reported to the ministry across the Minden area have been linked to unsecured household waste, compost, improperly stored food, and other attractants,” the spokesperson said.
The provincial government’s Bear Wise hotline operates from April 1 to Nov. 30 and so far has received fewer than 30 calls for the Minden area, of which many of the calls have been linked to the same bear.
EMILY STONEHOUSE Editor
The summer of movies is back at the Minden Hills Cultural Centre, with two family-friendly films on the lineup.
The first is the 2005 classic The Adventures of Greyfriars Bobby, which is based on the true story of a dog not leaving his master’s grave after he dies. The community bands together to love the critter in a heartwarming tale. The show is slated for Thursday, July 31 at dusk.
The second show is the 2016 version of
the BFG, a fantasy adventure based on the book by Roald Dahl. This one is set to run on Thursday, Aug. 28, once again at dusk. The films are put on by the Township of Minden Hills and hosted at the Minden Hills Cultural Centre. Admission is by donation, and the films are set to run rain or shine, but will be moved indoors in the case of inclement weather.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, blankets, and snacks. No preregistration is required for the event, and both are set to begin at approximately dusk.
Shane McGuigan cannot wait to sharpen your skates and become your go-to source for hockey equipment, located at 146 Bobcaygeon Road in Minden. Be sure to stop by before hitting the ice at the arena. A lover of playing the game and watching the Pittsburgh Penguins, McGuigan invites everyone to visit the store and share their hockey stories. /THOMAS SMITH staff
of the game.
Shane McGuigan has been a lover of hockey for as long as he can remember. A lifelong fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins, his dedication to the team developed around 1986 with an admiration of Mario Lemieux.
“After 20 years of landscaping, my body just can’t keep up with it,” said McGuigan. Four years ago, McGuigan and his family moved to the Minden area. A decision that he has never regretted.
“We moved all the way from Bobcaygeon,” said McGuigan, with a laugh.
Growing up in Sarnia, McGuigan was first introduced to hockey at a young age. Moving to the Kawartha Lakes area as a kid, McGuigan experienced a completely different mindset towards his favourite game.
“Up here, the whole community is involved with the teams,” said McGuigan. “Hockey up here is more family oriented. Being in a smaller town, word of mouth gets out, and if anyone needs help, they are there for each other.”
McGuigan says that in Sarnia, the purpose of playing hockey was getting good enough to make money, whereas in Haliburton County, it is more about the love
The Township of Minden Hills is excited to announce the launch of its official Instagram account as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance communication and engagement with residents. Follow us @Township_MindenHills to stay informed and engaged!
Reporting issues such as road condition or maintenance needs can be done by calling 705-286-3144 Monday-Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. After hours emergencies can be reported by calling 1-866-856-3247.
After playing at various levels of hockey, McGuigan suffered an injury in 1998 that forced him to stop playing for a decade. As an adult, McGuigan has gotten back into playing in adult leagues with his team, the Swamp Donkeys.
“This passion for hockey, it is something that we have in Canada,” said McGuigan. “It’s not comparable to anywhere else.”
As a regular player, McGuigan found that he was driving to Lindsay and Peterborough to get his skates sharpened and find the brands of hockey sticks he wanted to play with.
“I wanted to have a place where people can get a decent stick,” said McGuigan. “The technology is so advanced and there are so many different models and brands.”
Part of the hockey stick inventory at his store were designed by notable players like John Tavares and Nick Robertson of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
On July 18, Minden Stick and Puck Hut was opened at 146 Bobcaygeon Road. The store offers every aspect of hockey equipment that is essential for playing hockey and can handle the dullest of skates.
“A lot of the guys are pretty excited that they can get a decent skate sharpening,” said McGuigan.
One of the main highlights of his location is the prox-
• Of Light and Life, a new exhibit by world renowned artist Michael Dumas, is on display in the Agnes Jamieson Gallery until September 13. Copies of Michael’s recently published book Algonquin Legacy - The Art of Michael Dumas will also be available for sale in the Gallery.
• The Minden Hills Museum and Heritage Village and Nature’s Place are Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm! Daily drop-in programs are offered at 11 am. Coming up this week: Thursday – heritage tin punch craft, Friday – Toddler Discovery Zone, Saturday – Lino-printing.
• Join us Thursday, July 24 at 5:00 pm for the Community Heritage Series – The Art of Printing and Stories from the Minden Times, with Jack Brezina and Natalia Brown. All are welcome. Admission is by donation
• The Minden Hills Cultural Centre and HCPL – Minden Branch would like to welcome you to our free Friday Afternoon Movies - Angels in the Outfield (1994) starting at 1:00 pm. All are welcome.
For information on all the programs and exhibits offered at the Minden Hills Cultural Centre: culturalcentre@mindenhills.ca or call 705-286-3763.
imity to the arena. Located just down the road, he hopes people will stop by on their way to play. As a smaller retail space, and his first retail venture, McGuigan is dedicated to making his petite hockey store into a successful venture.
“This is a completely different change of pace for me,” said McGuigan. “I don’t want to only be open for two months and then shut down. I want to grind it out and do what it takes to grow my inventory.”
As a rewards program to dedicated customers, McGuigan offers a punch card program making your eleventh sharpening free. With high end sharpening equipment and learning the tricks of the trades, McGuigan can sharpen both hockey and goalie skates.
“I want to have such an extensive stock so that when you are coming out, you know that what you want is going to be in store,” said McGuigan. “Small enough that it is still an approachable space. I don’t want to get rich. I want to come in and enjoy my day and hear other’s passion for hockey.”
McGuigan wants to encourage the Minden community to keep their money local and support local businesses that work towards keeping Minden the great small town that it is.
Minden Stick and Put Hut is open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
We are currently recruiting for the following vacancies:
• Arena and Recreation Students for Fall Season
• Short-Term Rental Administrator
Visit www.mindenhills.ca/careers for more information and how to apply
Council and Closed Session meetings are currently being conducted in-person (Council Chambers, 7 Milne St., Minden) and with electronic participation. The scheduled upcoming meetings are:
July 31- Regular Council Meeting
August 14 – Regular Council Meeting
Members of the Public are invited to observe Council proceedings by attending in-person or via the live-stream link.
The Minden Minor Baseball League held their annual Dawson Hamilton Memorial Tournament this past Sunday, July 20. With nearly 20 games played for all ages over the course of the day, organizers and parents stayed busy at the ball diamond. The winners of the medal contest are: Benny Harrison in first, Bobby Walker in second, and Arizona Latanville in third, with an honourable mention to Jamie Crowe. The teams play regularly on Monday evenings behind the S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena in Minden. /TIM YANO staff photographer
As you walk down Highland Street, you may take a glimpse through a window and see him tending to a client, sweeping the floor or engaging in conversation with his colleagues and customers. He may greet you with a wave or should his tattooed-covered hands be occupied with scissors or a straight razor, a friendly nod as you pass by.
For a half-decade, Nick Folco, better known as The Noble Barber, has been a mainstay in the community.
“We started in the middle of COVID and made it through, and we are busier than ever,” Folco said in a July 17 interview. “We’re kind of the only shop in town doing what we do.”
From straight-razor shaves and beard trims to haircuts and styling, what started as a one-man operation, the Noble Barbershop has grown significantly since opening five years ago, with three additional barbers; Courtney, Ashley and Dougie
“It was just me and a chair,” Folco said, adding that his wife would often keep him company. “It was just the two of us in here, kinda holding it down in a very wide-open space at the time.”
As “COVID raged on,” Folco said that’s when he teamed up with Courtney, who was already an established barber in the village, having her own space.
“It was detrimental to the both of us, having our own space,” Folco said. “So we kept talking and said ‘You know what, we are both sick of working alone, let’s band together and do something fun together.’”
It took about another year or so before Folco had another chair in the shop.
That’s when Ashley came along.
“She hit the ground running, again being another stylist,” Folco recalled.
“Women in town don’t have a ton of options and the ones they do, they’re so full.”
Folco then rejigged the shop and added a fourth chair, for Dougie, who came up from the Toronto area.
“We’re busy, we’re rolling,” Folco said.
Another tweak since opening has been the addition of a tattoo shop.
“Tattoos have always been a thing for me, obviously as I’m covered in them,” Folco said.
So he chatted with several friends in the
industry, inquiring about what a tattoo shop would look like, and what a good owner would be like.
“I don’t want to be someone who doesn’t know the industry and isn’t treating the artist with the respect they deserve,” he said. “It’s been an idea and a dream for quite a while.”
Through client connections, Folco linked up with an artist from Kitchener, Ont. Initially, the tattoo shop started as a weekend trial, and it was a success.
“It was really well received and he was very busy in his first weekend and a couple of weekends since,” Folco said.
Tattoo artist Chris Winterson plans to
open a studio within his home in the near future once he makes the move to the area, but will also offer services at the barbershop from time to time.
Folco also hosts guest tattoo artists and barbers on weekends at the shop.
“I like to open the doors to any of my friends in the industry,” he said. “Take my chair, I can go away for a week and you can come cut hair with the crew here, they’re awesome people.”
So who is the Noble Barber? The shop’s decor and ambience provides some clues. From a framed, autographed sweater of local hockey hero Matt Duchene and a TV tuned into Sportsnet, to fishing lures and skateboard decks, Folco seems young at heart.
“I still got a couple of tricks I can still do,” Folco said of his skateboarding life. “I have a couple boards I keep set up in case I ever want to get back on one. I’ve hit the (skate) park a handful of times, and I hit the rails here and there.”
He’s also an active member of the community and is part of the Minden fire department.
“It’s two of my passions kind of coming together and I didn’t really ever think about that,” Folco said. “It’s great that it happened and I love the community, it’s part of the attraction of living here, where everyone knows each other and takes care of one another.
“We all want these businesses to thrive down here and be as busy as we are, I want everyone to get what they deserve down here,” the barber said.
But more importantly, he’s a family man.
“That’s what makes me the happiest,” Folco said. “Being a dad and being a good husband. All of this, it’s just extra.”
As Folco would say: Stay noble.
Haliburton’s annual New-to-You Community Yard Sale took place on July 19 at A.J. LaRue Arena, where dozens of households and organizations were selling gently-used household items including furniture, clothing, and jewellery. /ADAM FRISK staff
The Gigantic Penny Raffle and Spaghetti Dinner was held at the Lloyd Watson Centre in Wilberforce on Saturday, July 19. The full-house featured a home-cooked meal of hearty spaghetti, as well as a very popular hat making workshop for all ages, hosted by the ‘Mad Hatter.’ After the hats were made, the community joined in on the Hat Parade to show off their creations, before the raffle started at 8 p.m. /TIM YANO staff photographer
EMILY STONEHOUSE Editor
you a parent of an especially busy kid? SWEAT Social may have just the thing.
Starting this summer, the fitness organization has started offering programs to children aged four to 12. “These fun and energetic sessions aim to introduce kids to fitness in a supportive, age-appropriate environment that makes fitness fun,” said John Watson, one of the coaches of the program.
The programs are being offered until the end of the summer, and are divided into two age groups.
The first group runs at the top of Sunday mornings, and is aimed towards kids between the ages of four and seven. “These playful sessions help young children build coordination, confidence, and a lifelong love of movement,” said Watson. “Kids will learn the basics of functional fitness while developing their motor skills through games and interactive activities.”
The second session starts right after, designed for ages six to 12. “This class builds strength, agility, and technique in a way that feels like play, not pressure,” noted Watson. “Kids will explore functional movements, teamwork, and goal setting in a motivating environment.”
SWEAT Social has been around since 2022, and recently moved to their new home at 713 Mountain Street. Individuals come from across the county to partake in the training sessions, lead by SWEAT social owner and head coach, Chelsea Adamson. “We’re so excited to offer something for young gym-goers in our community,” she said. “SWEAT Kids is about creating healthy habits early and showing children that fitness can be playful, empowering, and fun.”
The gym also offers group fitness classes, open gym time, and competitions throughout the year.
With only a few sessions in, the programs have already proven beneficial to the participants. Douglas Walker registered his son as soon as he heard of availability. “Coach John was fantastic,” he said during a phone inter-
view. “My son is usually quite shy but he jumped right in. He had so much fun doing all the exercises.”
Walker noted that his son has now applied the lessons learned to his day-to-day life. “He now makes me do burpees every day,” he laughed. “We’ve already signed up for more.”
For Watson, it’s all about instilling a love of fitness for all ages and abilities at an early age. “Our goal is to help
kids fall in love with fitness,” he said. “We want kids to feel strong, confident, and capable, while having a blast along the way.”
Registration for July and August classes are open. The cost is $40 per child for a four-class pass, or $12.50 per child per drop-in. Visit MindBody to register: www. mindbodyonline.com.
lisa@lisamercer.ca cell: 705.457.0364
CLUES ACROSS
1. Pacific Standard Time
4. Extracts through heating and melting
10. Express delight
11. More curvy
12. Expression of uncertainty
14. Indicates before 15. Daughter of Hera and Zeus
16. Southwestern CA city
18. Unified
22. Less attractive
23. Base of jellies
24. A large and noisy party
26. He was traded for Luka
27. Wolverine genus
28. “Happy Days” actress Moran
30. Root of taro plant
31. Student environmental group (abbr.)
34. Silk garments
36. Unique power
37. Ray Liotta cop film
39. Leak slowly through
40. Notion
41. Atomic #55
42. Fixed in one place
48. About heat
50. Type of baseball pitch
51. Seedless raisin
52. Large wading birds
53. Similar
54. Time zone
55. Atomic #34
56. Program
58. Old world, new
59. Contrary belief
60. “To the __ degree”
CLUES DOWN
1. Plain-woven fabric
2. Classed
3. Suppositions
4. Midway between south and west
5. Tropical American trees
6. Leveled
7. Published false statement
8. Adolescent
9. Junior’s father
12. Aurochs
13. Not low
17. Boxing’s GOAT
19. Short musical composition
20. Small immature herrings
21. Eavesdropper
25. Parcels of land
29. Anger
31. Irritations
32. Hindu holy man
33. Wicker basket for fish
35. Natural object
38. Transporting in a vehicle
41. A dog is one
43. Smaller portion
44. Sew
45. Belonging to a thing
46. Horsley and Greenwood are two
47. Scottish language
49. Producer
56. Exclamation of surprise
57. Russian river
The first Bloom Fest was hosted by Little Blooms on Saturday, July 19 on Ritchie
and featured over 30 vendors, as well as pick-your-own bouquets through the many flower fields. Below,
Call or text 647213-2875 or call 705-447-2213
YARD SALE. Saturday, July 26. 8 – 2. 1017 Miners’ Bay Road At the foot of the Rock Cut Antiques, Collectibles, Vinage Post Cards, Records, Stamps, Comics, Magazines, and more
Yard Sale. Saturday, July 26. 191 Halbiem Cresent. 6am-12pm. Womens clothing and footwear size 6, hockey cards, household items, and more!
Dear Haliburton County Volunteers & Sponsors,
On behalf of the Minden Agricultural Society, I would like to extend our gratitude for your willingness to give of your funds, time, energy and talents in support of the Haliburton County Fair and the Canada Day Rubber Ducky Race. Your dedication helps us to continue to ful l our mission to serve our community.
To my fellow board members, thank you for all of your hard work and countless hours behind the scenes to make both events such a big success.
The Corporation of the County of Haliburton is currently recruiting for a Senior Planner
Reporting to the Director of Planning, the Senior Planner manages the day-to-day workflow of development applications, provides professional planning opinions, and holds responsibility for Land Division Committee meetings. The successful applicant will hold a university degree in Planning or a related field and possess 4 years of related municipal experience. They will also be a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) in good standing, with a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI).
This position reports to the County of Haliburton Administration Office, MondayFriday, 8:00am – 4:30pm. The salary range is $100,260.30 to $117,290.37 and includes participation in the OMERS defined benefit pension program and comprehensive extended healthcare benefits.
Visit our website at www.haliburtoncounty. ca/careers for a detailed posting and job description. Forward your resume to shume@haliburtoncounty.ca no later than 4:30pm on July 31st, 2025
We thank all who apply for this position; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The County of Haliburton is an equal employer. Accommodation can be provided in all steps of the hiring process, please contact Human Resources for further details. In accordance with the Municipal
at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 636, Minden to celebrate the life of a fabulous woman, mom, gramma, gramma-great, and friend.
County’s only volunteer Not-for-Profit Community radio station.
Get involved in your community! Apply today for a seat on the Canoe FM Board of Directors. If you are an individual with technical broadcast experience, or are interested in not-for-profit governance, sales or marketing, our Board of Directors may be a perfect fit for you.
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On Sunday, July 19, renowned artist Michael Dumas shared personal anecdotes about his life, career, and how they have shaped his ability as an artist. A renowned Canadian artist, his wood ducks were featured on Canadian Postage stamps in 1990 and coins that depicted his Canada lynx were produced by the Royal Canadian Mint in 2005.
Dumas shared three stories to the packed crowd in the Welch Family Room of the Minden Hills Cultural Centre. The first story explained the origin of his piece Childhood Robin Study that greets visitors when they first enter the exhibition. Dumas’ mother encouraged the artist at a young age, cutting out cardboard from cereal boxes and purchasing him drawing pads. His uncle would even set aside flat pieces of wood with which he could use as canvases. Childhood Robin Study was a drawing that he had done around the age of four, which his mother kept.
Dumas described his beginnings as an artist with paint-by-numbers sets, changing to watercolour in high school, and then ultimately returning to the same oils he had moved on from as a child. His parents recognized his talent as a teen and allowed him to participate in an art education program based in the United States which further fuelled his burning creative passions.
Another story Dumas shared was working as a park ranger when he was 18 years old. Setting up a large canvas tent alone (due to an inebriated co-worker), Dumas shared the beauty and joy he
experienced in the park and included funny stories like collecting discarded fishing line, his co-worker making a hook, and using the only piece of pork from a can of pork and beans to catch trout for him and his coworkers to eat.
The third story that Dumas shared involved his preparation for a commissioned piece depicting a rainbow trout that is on display in the exhibition. His wife, collecting the trout from the grocery store, brought it home in a small aquarium. Not having the appropriate aquarium, the fish perished after two days. The artist then hung the fish up using a fishing line and froze it in the freezer before sketching it in the correct position. During this story, Dumas let the crowd know that he and his wife Ellen are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year.
While attending art school at Humber College, Dumas says that the book Birds of the Northern Forest was the biggest influence to push him towards watercolour painting.
Of Light and Life brings visitors on a journey through Dumas’ career. In the room titled Process and Progress, Dumas’ earliest works are displayed, from around the age of five, to his earliest forays into watercolour and his return to painting with oils. In the next hall, People, Places, Things, shows Dumas’ foray of work outside of the natural world, painting humans, scenes, and objects that are of interest to the artist. Notably, some of the subjects of artworks were in attendance at Dumas’ reception. The final hall and largest room labelled Animal World, showcases the latest works of the artist. From
birds, to horses, to lynx, the room is filled with Dumas’s most polished works.
“Every individual subject has its own characteristics and species characteristics,” said Dumas. “Strong lighting in the shade, whether there is action.”
Of Light and Life will be presented at the Minden Hills Cultural Centre until Sept. 13. This must-see exhibition offers a unique opportunity to glimpse into Dumas’ history and portfolio as an artist through an exhibition that is both thought-provoking and deeply personal.
The Agnes Jamieson Gallery is located at 176 Bobcaygeon Road and is open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Copies of Dumas’ latest book, Algonquin Legacy - The Art of Michael Dumas will be available to purchase at the gallery.
