Man facing multiple charges after drug investigation

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July 16, 2021

Members of the Haliburton Highlands Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged a male with multiple offences after a drug related investigation.

On July 15, 2021, at 3:10 a.m., officers from the Haliburton Highlands OPP responded to a drug overdose at an address on County Road 121 in Minden Hills Township. When officers attended the scene a male party was located in possession of a significant amount of drugs and stolen property. With the assistance of the Haliburton and City of Kawartha Lakes Community Street Crime Units (CSCU), a warrant was executed on a trailer for further investigation. Police seized a quantity of controlled substances, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, with a street value of approximately $14,000, and a loaded firearm.

As a result, Carter McInnis, 27 years-of-age, of Minden Hills Township has been charged with the following:

Unauthorized possession of a firearm
Breach of firearms regulation- store firearm or restricted weapon
Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm
Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking
Unauthorized possession of a weapon
Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose – two counts
Possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to Prohibition order- two counts
Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
Theft over $5000

The accused party was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on July 16, 2021.

The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act became law in Canada on May 4, 2017. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose. The law does provide protection against charges for possessing drugs and violating conditions of a court order for a simple drug possession charge. It does not, however, provide protection against charges for trafficking illegal drugs, outstanding arrest warrants or violating conditions of a court order for an offence that is not simple possession.

Hopping in to explore the arts at Frog Hollow

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Sam Gillett

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July 16, 2021

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The Frog Hollow Integrated Art Tour combines art, spirituality and the wonder of Haliburton County’s natural landscape.

On Friday, July 2, Tory Hill artist Biljana Banchotova hosted a grand opening of the art tour at her new Whirling Wisdom studio.

On the first weekend of the month from May to October, guests will be invited inside Banchotova’s studio space and forested property for a night of art experiences including live music, dancing, and art exhibitions.

“This is the nice thing about our tour – we’re a little innovative from the traditional viewing tours. We’re participatory,” Banchotova said.

Currently, The Frog Hollow tour will include Banchotova’s space and the nearby Earthdance Studio.

Liz Feyerabrand, an artist whose work is filled with bright, flowing colours and natural designs, is the first guest artist, displaying her work in a tent on Banchotova’s property.

Banchotova said she hopes the tour will expand across Ontario to other artist spaces which celebrate the integration of an artistic lifestyle.

“It celebrates a new era for Frog Hollow,” Banchotova said.

At Friday’s events, guests toured the new vibrant red studio which features Banchotova’s murals on the walls; the floors painted with cosmic designs.

Darlene Dove and Shawn Arscott of Earthdance studio, co-founders of the Frog Hollow Art Tour, said they’re excited to welcome people into their studio space as well.

“Our idea is to show people how [they] can integrate art into their lives,” Dove said. Through the arts, she said she believes people can lead rich fulfilling lives, more attuned to their natural settings. Earthdance Studio is on a 45-acre property which Dove and Arscott have filled with paths and ponds that wind around mineral pathways.

On Friday, as the sun began to dip below the thick forest ringing Banchotova’s studio, the crowd listened to local musician Albert Saxby strum original songs on guitar, watched Joanna Lordess Camillery perform twirling aerial dances on outdoor gymnastic hoops and participated in a smudging, led by Karen Warner.

“Biljanna is a special talent – a lot of people don’t understand what it takes to create art,” Warner said as she drummed a song about collective power.

That act of creation, Banchotova said, is meant to be shared with others. That’s what the Frog Hollow Integrated Art tour seeks to do.

“It’s the way of coming together with the people – I feel that’s what’s most needed at this time, channeling this art,” Banchotova said.

While no artistic experience is necessary to attend the event, Dove said she hopes more artists hop on board to show art: whether at Banchotova’s studio, Earthdance’s wooded property or around Ontario.

“It’s a perfect opportunity for artists to gather together and show their work: it’s like a full range experience,” Dove said. Banchotova said the grand opening of her studio, and the beginning of the tour, is an invitation; come enjoy art, and see how experiencing it together can change lives.

“This is our call – that’s the idea. The call is being sent out,” she said.

For more information on upcoming Frog Hollow Integrated Art Tour events, or to register as a guest artist, visit froghollowarttour.com

Brotherhood anniversary screening

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Lisa Gervais

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July 16, 2021

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An upcoming prime time broadcast of the movie Brotherhood is scheduled to coincide with the 95th anniversary of the true events that claimed the lives of 11 teenaged boys.

Director Richard Bell said the movie will be on the Super Channel Entertainment Network, at 7:15 p.m. on July 20.

Haliburton audiences might remember the movie screened during the Haliburton International Film Festival in 2019.

The movie is based on the true story of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew leadership camp which, in 1926, encountered a freak summer storm on Ontario’s Balsam Lake.

After a wave overturned their 30-foot war canoe, the young men struggled through the night, clamouring to keep each other above water and alive.

Bell said the broadcast is poignantly timed to begin at the same time as the boys were gathering on the dock to prepare for their adventure across the lake.

Brotherhood is the 2020 winner of the Canadian Screen Award for Achievement in Visual Effects.

Commitment from the rink to the track

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Sam Gillett

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July 16, 2021

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Multi-sport athlete and long-time coach Marla MacNaull said she is “humbled” to be recognized in the first group of Haliburton Highlands Sports Hall of Fame inductees.

MacNaull excelled at whatever sport she played. Through her long career, she’s shown how determination, enthusiasm and hard work bring success on the track, crosscountry trails and ice rinks across Canada.

The Hall of Fame committee nominated MacNaull, writing that her stamina, toughness and perseverance “paved the way for equity and inclusion in sport” in Haliburton.

MacNaull laced up her skates and hit the rink with the Haliburton boys PeeWee team in 1977. There was no girls team – but that didn’t stop her.

“I really wanted to play hockey, so my dad made it happen,” said MacNaull. “Some parents on the Haliburton team and the teams we played against weren’t overly excited to have a girl on the ice.”

She quickly became a star on the team – a right winger with a knack for scoring goals and leading the team to wins.

“I did score a lot of goals – because I was good, I was definitely accepted a little bit more,” she said. She still often sees former teammates in Haliburton.

“I have fond memories of that time,” she said.

During high school, she dived into track and field – helping her 1,600-metre relay team reach the OFFSA championship.

In university, she joined the track team and advanced to the national university sports championship

But after realizing McMaster had a women’s hockey team, she decided to hit the Ice again. She found a pair of skates and borrowed some equipment. She tried out for the varsity women’s team – and made it.

That meant balancing three varsity sports alongside her academics: “I liked keeping my days busy,” MacNaull said with a laugh. Later, she narrowed her sporting focus.

“In my third year, I just focused on hockey,” said MacNaull. She became the team’s leading goal scorer in 1987-88 and was named MVP. While studying for her Bachelor of Education at Queens University, she helped the women’s hockey team capture a silver medal at the Ontario university championship.

After university, she played for both the Toronto Aeros and the Surrey Flyers in B.C. With both teams, she won provincial championships.

Despite leaving competitive sports to focus on her teaching career, she never left the gym, field or training pitch; she’s coached everything from basketball to curling.

“It just seemed natural to spend all that time at the gym and coach, so I did,” MacNaull said. “I kind of modelled myself after the teachers I had at the high school.”

Throughout her adult life, she spent summers and holidays in Haliburton. “Even in Toronto, I would always say, the Highlands is home,” MacNaull said. After retiring from her 32-year teaching career, she now lives in the County full-time.

She said she encourages athletes in Haliburton to take advantage of the positive community around them – a community that was so supportive of her growth as a hockey player.

“I think it’s really important that people realize, that even though Haliburton is a small community, that there are a lot of opportunities,” MacNaull said. “Particularly, the community coaches, the high school coaches; they formed who I am.”

Outdoors association surveying fish health

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Lisa Gervais

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July 16, 2021

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The Haliburton Highlands Outdoors Association (HHOA) wants to hear from anglers on the Kashagawigamog (Kash) chain of lakes.

They have released a survey that will run all summer.

Spokesman Tim Bahr said the lakes, which include Kash, Head, Grass, Soyers and Canning, are a vital part of the Highlands’ outdoors community.

“The HHOA is dedicated to maintaining and enhancing local fisheries and fish environments,” Bahr said. “This survey is designed to gather information on the fishing experiences of lake residents and other people who fish the chain. The results will be used to support efforts to improve fishing and fish habitat on the Kash chain.”

Bahr, who has had a cottage on Canning Lake for 25 years, said it was only this past April that the HHOA began tracking Walleye spawning for the first time in 10 years on two sections of the Drag River under a Walleye Watch program.

He said the HHOA has anecdotally heard about a drop in both quantity and quality of Walleye, sometimes referred to as pickerel, since around 2010, which is why they reinstated the watch.

Retired Fleming College Fisheries and Limnology professor Dennis McGee helped the HHOA with the survey and they have been working with the MNRF. Bahr said data will help them all better manage Walleye throughout the chain.

The HHOA is also awaiting permits in hopes of cleaning up the rocks that run under the bridge at Highway 118 over the Drag River. Cleaning the rocks would allow fish eggs to attach better. Bahr said one theory for why the Walleye population has dropped off is it hasn’t been cleaned in 10 years and rehabilitation could have a significant impact. He said winter road sand could also be having an effect.

He said the Drag River is one of most important Walleye spawning areas in the entire Highlands area so it’s very important that it be in good shape. But he said “something’s happening. Anglers are catching Walleye periodically but most are very big. There’s not a lot of young fish.”

He encouraged people to take a few minutes to fill out the survey.

“We’re going to learn a lot from this and use results to work with the MNRF to start a rehabilitation process to try to improve the fishing. The Kash chain is important to Minden and Haliburton. Walleye is a really sought-after fish.”

Go to the HHOA website to complete the survey at hhoa.on.ca

Rotary Clubs welcome new leaders

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Sam Gillett

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July 16, 2021

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As the County emerges from COVID-19, the Rotary clubs of Minden and Haliburton will continue their fundraising and community improvement efforts under new leadership.

Heather Phillips has been appointed president of the Rotary Club of Haliburton, while Lynda Litwin returns as president of the Minden branch.

A central part of being a Rotarian, said Litwin, is “being part of the Rotary family. It’s so many people with big, big hearts.”

Litwin, who previously served as president in 2016, joined the club eight years ago, partly because of the impact she saw Rotary have on small communities and in her family’s life: her daughter benefitted from Rotary bursaries and sponsored trips.

“It was a pretty simple fit to join a club that provided so many opportunities for my daughter and my family,” Litwin said.

Once she hosted the first meeting with the Minden executive July 12, they’ll begin to chart a new year of fundraisers and initiatives.

“It’s a very, very supportive club. Hosting a meeting, as the president, is an honour and it’s something that you look forward to doing: taking your turn and being part of the process.”

She said that growing the group with new volunteers is a major focus: their work throughout the pandemic has shown the need for community care.

“There are so many that need various forms of support and compassion to get through the trials that the COVID pandemic has brought on individuals, businesses, and support groups that make up the community,” Litwin said.

Haliburton’s new president

Phillips is a new Rotarian; joining the club in 2019.

Her first few weeks in the role have been spent learning the ropes.

“It’s a lot of familiarizing myself with the processes of Rotary – being a member, you don’t see the administrative side,” Phillips said.

She said she’s thankful for the guidance of outgoing president Ted Brandon, who has been helping her adjust.

“I’m the president, but the club is behind me,” Phillips said. “We don’t really make any decisions without the club’s approval.”

For Phillips, engaging new members – especially younger people through the local Interact and Rotaract clubs – is a key priority.

“I’m just hoping to let people know what Rotary is all about – so they can get more information on the things we do and maybe come and join us,” Phillips said.

The clubs have been instrumental in volunteering for the health unit’s COVID clinics in Haliburton and Minden.

Striding for new doctors in Kinmount

By

Sam Gillett

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July 16, 2021

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An annual fundraiser is joining the effort to bring a new doctor – or two – to Kinmount.

Participants in the Kinmount District Health Services Foundation’s 23rd annual Journey for Health will gather community pledges before completing a walk of their own choosing on or before August 8.

In the past two years, the event has raised more than $15,000, which helps fund new technology, patient services, landscaping and more at the Kinmount Health Centre.

This year, organizer and board member Barb Millington said the goal is to fund travel costs or any fees which may deter doctors who might come to the area.

“So many people don’t have doctors – it’s hard to get on the waiting list even in Haliburton and Minden,” Millington said. “If we ever do find a new doctor you really do feel good about what you’ve done.”

She said the Kinmount Health Centre has space for three doctors – and the patient demand is high. A new doctor could drastically reduce wait times for appointments.

Due to COVID-19, the event is a solo affair, as opposed to the traditional walk along the Kinmount rail trail and group lunch.

Millington said she’s planning on hiking a portion of the rail trail – but participants can walk wherever and for however long they like.

Sponsor sheets are available for download at kdhc.ca or can be picked up at the Kinmount Pharmacy, Kinmount Downtown Pharmacy or the Kinmount Health Centre.

Raising money for the arts one foot at a time

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Sam Gillett

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July 16, 2021

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A pop-up fundraiser will be selling donated art — by the square foot – all summer long in Haliburton.

For the annual Art Squared event, Haliburton County artists have donated 12-inch by 12-inch paintings. Each one costs $100 with all the money going to local arts organizations.

The fundraiser will run as a pop-up booth outside the Rails End Gallery at most Haliburton farmers markets. This year, each sale will funnel money to the Rails End Gallery.

Dagmar Boettcher, an Art Squared board member, said local artists have been eager to support the fundraiser.

“People have been really great about donating,” Boettcher said. “Big shout out to all the artists in our town that have given us a 12-inch by 12-inch painting that they could have sold for $350.”

On large wooden racks, the Art Squared paintings tackle diverse themes: vibrant chickens, inquisitive turtles, rustic homesteads and tranquil river scenes.

Art Squared board member and artist Deborah Reed said she enjoys donating art to the event because of how the arts community in Haliburton has impacted her life. Each summer, she took art classes at the Haliburton School of Art and Design. Now, along with her partner Boettcher, she lives in the area full-time.

“I’m fairly new to Haliburton, and I’m grateful to it. It’s such a strong and welcoming community,” she said.

Art Squared sprouted to life after board members met while taking art classes from Carole Finn, an artist and printmaker formerly based in Minden.

One of the people taking lessons came up with the bite-sized painting fundraiser, and after a meeting, Art Squared took off.

The first year it ran, the group raised $3,500 for an HSAD student bursary in painting and drawing; the second year also raised $3,500 for the Rails End Gallery.

Since then, they’ve developed relationships with local long-term care homes, and paintings which don’t sell are donated to add colour and vibrancy to their walls.

For Boettcher, Art Squared is a celebration of arts, community, and the importance of creativity.

“I think without art and music and all the cultural things a lot of people don’t think we should be spending money on, our lives are so less rich,” she said.

Art from dock to dock returns to Kennisis

By

Sam Gillett

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July 16, 2021

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An annual dockside art show will see artists and artisans set up shop on docks around Kennisis Lake again this year.

On July 17, the Art on the Dock event features 30 artists who will exhibit paintings, pottery, jewelry and more at their lakeside properties.

Event organizer, Janis Parker, said it’s a unique opportunity to celebrate Haliburton County’s vibrant arts sector.

“I think people are just in awe of how many wonderful artisans we have within our community and Haliburton County as a whole,” Parker said.

Besides purchasing art directly from the artists, the event raises money for the Artists in the Schools & Community program. Since it began seven years ago, donations at each art venue and sales of limited edition prints by artist Wilf McOstrich have raised over $20,000.

Since many of the artists have learned or taught at Fleming’s Haliburton School of Art and Design, Parker said art education is a worthy cause to donate to.

“As you get to talking with more and more people, a lot of them had a basic gift but did an awful lot of their training at the Fleming school for the arts,” Parker said.

Artists such as Barbara Larcina and Lynda Henry wrote in the tour’s brochure that they’ve been inspired by the school’s classes and arts community. It’s Parker’s hope that the event can help continue investments in arts education.

“We wanted to make sure the arts continued to flourish in Haliburton,” she said.

Savannah Tomev is an artist who creates colourful, intricate paintings of animals and landscapes on canoe paddles. This will be her third year showcasing art at her family’s cottage.

For Tomev, the focus of Art on the Dock isn’t about making money: it’s a way to connect with the wider arts community of Kennisis Lake and Haliburton.

“It’s a great way for people to make connections with other artists but also make new friends at the lake,” Tomev said.

Art on the Dock is July 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and July 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information on the artists and exhibit locations, go to haliburtonarts.ca

A new era for vinyl and vintage shops

By

Sam Gillett

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July 16, 2021

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When Russell Red Records and Mixtape Vintage opened in 2019, neither owner thought their shops would be a permanent fixture on Haliburton’s main street.

Two years later, with a new location and renovated retail space, the businesses appear to be here to stay.

Heidi Hudspith of Mixtape Vintage and Dan Manley of Russell Red Records joined forces in 2019 while hosting a pop-up shop. After lots of interest, they moved into a retail space across from Highland Street’s Rexall. But that store didn’t feel like a permanent home.

“It always kind of felt temporary,” Hudspith said. “Now, we have room to grow.”

Their new shop is at 173a Highland St. Manley’s records are spread along each wall: classic rock, pop vinyls are placed alongside brand-new albums from artists such as Taylor Swift.

Mixtape Vintage takes up the back of the shop. Hudspith sources retro clothes and accessories which hang artfully on either side of a picture window overlooking Head Lake Park.

Manley explained how the pair had far more creative freedom when they designed the new store’s layout.

“Coming in here, we were able to start from scratch,” he said. After opening their doors in late June, business has taken off.

“Sales here have increased so much compared to last year,” Hudspith said. “I didn’t think it would start until Canada Day, but every day last week there was a huge wave of people coming through.”

She and Manley think that’s because their new spot is close to the park and a busier section of Highland Street.

“Essentially, it’s a difference in the location in town, there’s a psychological barrier in the location of the lights,” said Manley, referring to the intersection of Highland Street and Maple Avenue. “This [location] is just more conducive to people going by, coming up from the park.”

Besides busy foot traffic, the fresh start gave both business owners a chance to expand their selections.

“It’s turning a bit into a sustainable lifestyle store,” Hudspith said, gesturing to the cups, lamps and more which are recycled and given new lives with each purchase.

Hudspith said that picking out cool vintage products and connecting them with the perfect customer is a highlight of the job.

“The retail part of it is the fun part of it for me,” Hudspith said. “Seeing [customers] find something they love and take it home – that part is what makes it for me.”

That meant the last year, for both Hudspith and Manley, was especially tough.

COVID-19 forced the shops to close their doors to foot traffic multiple times. That, along with renovating and moving, made for a tiring year.

But the renovated space is now open; bustling with more customers, records and handpicked vintage goods than ever.

“When we found this location, that was kind of a big incentive to keep going,” Hudspith said.