Testing new turtle tunnel barriers

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November 19, 2021

One of the biggest risks an animal can take is Haliburton County is crossing a road.

On Nov. 15, The Land Between and Scales Nature Park worked together to make the journey for turtles just a safer one.

Using an excavator donated by Minden Rental, the two conservation groups dug out roadside fill and installed recycled metal barricades, welded from metal barrels. It’s all part of a system guiding turtles towards culverts, where they can cross under a road safely.

“It’s a turtle tunnel, basically,” said Leora Berman, The Land Between founder. “The shape can be backfilled and the road becomes permeable: any wildlife on the road can get off.”

They’re testing the system on a stretch of wetland-adjacent Glamorgan road, to see how the interlocking barriers handle winter frost.

“The issue with one large piece is it can shift, and that creates major maintenance issues,” said Berman.

There are 96 spots in the County that The Land Between and the Haliburton Land Trust have identified as needing turtle crossings.

Some, Berman said, don’t currently have culverts linking areas of wetlands, which poses an increased risk to the area’s turtle population.

“It’s really important that we have culverts so turtles can reach all parts of their territories,” Berman said.

All of Ontario’s turtle species are at risk. In the last 20 years, turtle populations have declined by more than 50 per cent; with drivers behind the vast majority of deaths.

Heat Bank nets $29k

By

Sam Gillett

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November 18, 2021

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SG-heat bank-2- — Nick & Benton performed at the 2021 Fuel for Warmth fundraiser.

The Haliburton County Heat Bank’s annual fundraiser in partnership with Carnarvon’s Rhubarb restaurant raised $29,183. The Nov. 14 evening was the most successful to date, said Tina Jackson, heat bank coordinator.

“Haliburton County has one of the highest rates of energy poverty in all of Canada,” said Jackson. “The Heat Bank’s working really hard to help folks overcome struggles related to heating and hydro, and this is our largest fundraiser of the year.”

Jackson said Rhubarb, and owner Terri Matthews-Carl, have been instrumental in helping the event succeed.

The restaurant was closed to the public and staff volunteered their time to serve a gourmet dinner while attendees had the chance to bid on donated items from various local businesses.

Musicians Nick and Benton sang and Ted Brandon hosted the evening as MC.

The Heat Bank, founded in 2013, aims to provide emergency access to heat and firewood for vulnerable Highlanders.

Their annual fundraiser at Rhubarb has raised over $124,000 since it began.

Singer releases anthem of mortality

By

Sam Gillett

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November 18, 2021

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If the cold months of fall ever needed a soundtrack, Fenelon Falls-based singer songwriter Shannon Roszell said her new single might fit the bill.

Day of the Dead released Oct. 29; just before Halloween.

It was a fitting ballad for spooky season, said Roszell. Inspired by indie rockers such as The National and Arcade Fire, Roszell’s voice echoes over top of menacing guitar riffs that build and drive the song along.

It’s a song about death, and legacy, she said. “I swear I’ve written more music about death than love.”

It was prompted by the passing of one of Roszell’s musical Icons, Lou Reed, reflecting on his legacy and, in turn, hers.

It’s also a symphonic exploration of mortality itself.

“It’s a perfect soundtrack to this time of the year when the veil between the living and dead is at its thinnest,” she said.

Roszell, who guest anchored and debuted the song on CanoeFM Oct. 29, has been slowly releasing singles ahead of a debut album drop, scheduled for the fall of 2022.

She’s been making music for more than a decade, but only recently partnered with award-winning producer Frank Gryner (Def Leppard, Rod Zombie) while preparing newer tunes.

For around 18 months, she recorded, wrote, and produced the album Track by Track.

Now the wait is on: Roszell is expecting a child in the spring of 2022. While all the songs are complete, she said it’s important to her they come out as a package.

“I had this body of work I wanted to honour,” she said. “They all have a sonic palette that’s pretty unified.”

Many of her songs are similarly complex as Day of the Dead.

She gave the example of Lullaby’s For the Lost and Living Dead, a song released late this year. “It is about that anxiety, mental health, and depression, waiting for mental health medication to kick in.”

The 39-year-old said she was a little self-conscious to release music at first: “It makes me think you’re 39, you’re putting out new music: you’ve ‘missed the boat’.”

But she’s excited about the future, and encouragement from friends, family and her producer have helped shift her mindset. “There is no boat, I’m trying to be patient, wait it out, see how things go.”

Roszell’s music can be found on all streaming services and her website: shannonroszell.com

BBQ artist brings the smoke to Fort Irwin

By

Sam Gillett

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November 18, 2021

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Chef Shannon Brown’s passion for barbecue is a life-or-death affair.

When packing up for a catering gig in October, right before the planned opening of his new location in Fort Irwin, a transport truck blew a tire beside his Peterborough home, sending a piece of debris into his chest.

The owner of Till Death BBQ nearly lived up to its name and the injury meant he had to delay opening his Haliburton restaurant.

But after four blood transfusions, he’s back in action, serving up smoked meats, homemade fries and handcrafted sauces in Till Death BBQ’s first permanent location right next to the Fort Irwin Marina. He opened the doors Nov. 5.

“The way I do the food is so different than what others do,” Brown said. He uses a live smoking method, which means the fire is right in the smoker, making for higher temperatures and quicker cook times.

In the rich tradition of Texas-style barbecue, it was unorthodox. Most smokers run at around 250 degrees, Brown’s is usually more than 600.

“People that had been (smoking meat) their whole lives, they were laughing at us, until we started bringing the trophies,” Brown said.

A lifelong cook, a board behind the restaurant’s till is plastered with Diamond Awards from Peterborough: top chef, top restaurant, top caterer and more.

“I’ve been doing it my whole life, but it wasn’t until 2017 I thought I could do it well enough, to start making money off it.”

He said he keeps it simple: relying on different rubs for each meat and lots of sweetness to combine with the smokey inferno, which he is constantly monitoring outside behind the main kitchen.

At Till Death BBQ, Brown said brisket’s been a top seller so far, shifting more than 40 pounds on the restaurant’s opening day.

“The amount of people that have never had brisket before was absolutely crazy,” said Brown

Nearly everything on the menu, from pork to fries is from Ontario producers. Brown said he doesn’t use frozen or premade ingredients.

“It’s scratch-made from start to finish, and we try to go as local as possible.”

Brown found out the Fort Irwin location would be vacant, with the previous restaurant closing.

Peterborough, said Brown “is oversaturated when it comes to food places.”

He and his partner, Joy, who often helps out serving, plan to move to the County full-time.

Brown said creating a positive workplace has been a goal. Catering positions pay $30 per hour, and workers in the restaurant make between $20-25 dollars per hour depending on the shift.

“We pay way above the average for restaurants,” Brown said. “It’s a job that you do because you’re passionate about it, not because you’re going to make a lot of money: there’s no reason it has to be like that.”

For Brown, that’s been a winning strategy. “We’ve been almost six years in the business and all we’ve done is expand,” Shannon said.

Community ‘key’ in student housing need

By

Sam Gillett

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November 18, 2021

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Fleming College’s Haliburton School of Art + Design (HSAD) is nestled in the woods, drawing students from across Canada and beyond for its integrated arts program, metalsmithing course and array of summer classes.

It’s difficult to learn, however, if you don’t have a place to live. That’s why Fleming is putting out a call for Haliburton households to open up to students.

“We’re in desperate need of accommodation options for students, especially within walking distance,” said Sandra Dupret, vice president of Fleming responsible for student experience.

The demand is heightened due to an influx of students starting in January.

Dupret said it can be a chance to earn extra income, or for those who live alone, a chance to have a friend around.

“Some really appreciate that companionship,” Dupret said. “We have found that people are very adaptable to what students’ needs are.”

This year, Dupret said a few students are finding it difficult to find places to live, especially within driving distance.

“Frankly that’s a challenge we’re seeing with the growth here. We can’t grow the enrolment in campus without having places for students to stay, so we’re really dependent at this point, on the support of the community,” Dupret said.

Until a planned residence building, to be located beside the college, HSAD will continue to build community partnerships.

“They’re a key player in helping this campus to thrive,” Dupret said.

West Guilford resident Pat Bain said she wishes she signed on to host students sooner. “All the students I’ve had have been wonderful people,” she said. “To have them in the house, that’s just a comfort to me, to know there’s someone else here.”

Bain has been invited to students’ weddings, even to a student’s family home in France. It’s a lot more than just extra income.

“I always tell them, as well as getting a place to stay, they’re getting a second mother,” she said.

For information on joining Fleming’s list of student apartment options, email och@flemingcollege.ca or call 705-749- 5530 ext. 112

Huskies move to 2nd in OJHL East Division

By

Mike Baker

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November 18, 2021

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A depleted Haliburton County Huskies battled through a rare three-game weekend last time out, adding a win and two losses to their seasonal record and moving into second place in the OJHL’s East Division.

The first of the team’s triple header saw them make the hour-long trip south on Hwy. 35 to take on the Lindsay Muskies. In what was a tense, hard-hitting game Nov. 12, the Huskies dug deep and at times rode their luck as they battled to a 2-1 regulation win over their nearest rivals.

It’s a game that will be remembered for its unique stat line, with the two teams going a collective 0-6 on the powerplay but each registering a short-handed goal.

After an insipid opening period in which neither team made much of an impression in the offensive zone, it was the Muskies that got things going early on in the second – very much against the run of play. Shortly after Isiah Parris was issued a two-minute minor for interference, Muskies forward Duncan Scullion cut off a loose pass in the defensive zone and raced down the ice unchallenged, firing the puck past Christian Cicigoi at 4:59 in the period.

The lead wouldn’t last though, and it was a familiar face that came back to haunt the Muskies. Defenseman Will Gourgouvelis fired a hopeful shot from near the boards at 15:54, beating Muskies’ goaltender Ethan Fraser high over his glove. It was Gourgouvelis’ second goal of the season – the other coming way back on opening night Oct. 1, when the Huskies defeated the Muskies 3-2 at the same venue.

Heading into the final frame, the Huskies picked up the pace as they searched for a winner. Top scorer Oliver Tarr saw plenty of ice time as the team leaned on their top line for large periods. In the end, the gamewinning goal came from an unlikely source in fortuitous circumstances. Just 20 seconds after hometown boy Joe Boice went to the box for slashing, Sam Solarino went on the forecheck, chasing down a puck behind the Muskies’ goal. That effort paid off, with Solarino catching Fraser in no man’s land, stealing the puck and careening around the goal to fire in the winner.

“It was pretty hard to miss,” Solarino said with a smile after the game. “The goalie came out behind the net and coughed up a pretty bad one. I just followed it up and put it in.”

Head coach and general manager Ryan Ramsay was delighted with his team’s performance in what he called a “character win.”

“I think that performance really says a lot about the guys we have in our locker room, and the culture we’re trying to create here. We’re down a few players right now, and are running basically three lines, so to see those guys leave it all out on the ice, battle the way they did and come away with a huge two points … it was great to see,” Ramsay said.

Things didn’t quite go to plan on Saturday however, when the Huskies welcomed the table-topping Trenton Golden Hawks to town. Lucas Stevenson got the hometown team off to a perfect start, firing one in after just 1:44 in the opening period after being set up by Tarr.

The Huskies would then give up five straight as the Golden Hawks took charge of the game. Captain Nathan Porter notched a consolation tally late on in the third, before Trenton rubbed salt into the wounds, adding a sixth goal just minutes later. The final score at S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena was 6-2.

On Sunday, the Huskies made a trip down to the city to take on the North York Rangers. The team had fond memories of playing at the Herbert Carnegie Centre, recording a 3-1 win at the venue on Oct. 10.

It looked like being another happy visit for the Huskies, who raced out to a 3-0 lead courtesy of goals from Nicholas Athanasakos and Tarr. But the Rangers fired back, netting two goals late in the second and another early in the third, before ending things in overtime.

The point gained from the overtime loss lifted the Huskies into second place in their division, just narrowly ahead of the Muskies and the Wellington Dukes. The hometown team now boasts an overall record of 10-6-1.

They play the Caledon Admirals on the road tonight (Nov. 18), before traveling to the city to face the Toronto Patriots on Saturday. The Huskies will next play on home ice on Nov. 26, against the Cobourg Cougars. That game is slated for a later than-usual start in Minden, with puck drop set for 7:30 p.m.

100 Women: ‘We give and we care’

By

Mike Baker

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November 18, 2021

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Local group 100 Women Who Care Haliburton County is continuing its mission of supporting some of the Highlands’ most in-demand services.

Since the club’s foundation in 2016, members have donated more than $80,000 to various charitable organizations across the County. The Minden Community Food Centre is the latest beneficiary, receiving a cheque for $6,800 Oct. 27.

That money was raised in a single hour by the group, who met in-person for the first time since the onset of the pandemic Oct. 20 at the Dominion Hotel.

“A pretty special group, who get together three times a year to raise money and give back to the community,” said club executive, Sandra Slauenwhite-Box. “The original concept was centred around fundraising, easy fundraising in a short period of time to support a charity that does great work here, and really helps people.”

Prior to each meeting, members nominate an organization for consideration. All names are then put into a box, with three selected at random. Those charities are then invited to present at the next meeting, with a chance to win that night’s pot. Once presentations are over, those in attendance vote on who they would like to see receive the money.

Each member in attendance on the night donates $100, or if they’ve registered as a team of two they give $50 each.

Other regular fixtures at the events include the Haliburton Hospital Auxiliary, Fuel for Warmth, Volunteer Dental Outreach, Haliburton Emergency Rural SafeSpace (HERS), and the Abbey Retreat Centre.

Pat Bradley and Tina Palmer were inaugural members when the local organization got going five years ago. Starting out with 34 members, they’ve since grown to 78.

“I never realized it would blossom into what it has. I thought it was a fabulous idea at the start, and now, looking at the money we’ve been able to raise, I think it’s even more fabulous,” Palmer said.

Since taking charge of the group last year, Slauenwhite-Box said she’s made it her mission to grow the organization so that it truly reflects its name.

“I would love to see us get to 100 women. I think we’re getting there – we’ve seen steady growth since launching five years ago, and we’re still seeing new members come on board, even now [during the pandemic],” she said.

There’s no annual registration fee to join. Anyone interested in becoming a member can learn more by visiting 100wwchaliburton.wixsite.com.

Mobile vaccination clinic rolling into Wilberforce

By

Sam Gillett

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November 18, 2021

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HKPR District Health Unit and Ontario government are bringing the GO-VAXX bus to Wilberforce Sunday, Nov. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lloyd Watson Community Centre (2249 Loop Road).

The GO-VAXX bus is a retrofitted GO bus that serves as a mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinic.

The pop-up clinic is open to anyone wanting their first and second doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. People eligible to receive a third dose can also attend.

“We’re very pleased to see the vaccination clinic on wheels roll into Haliburton County to provide vaccine and encourage anyone still needing their first, second or third dose to get on board and receive a shot,” said Doreen Boville, HKPR health promoter.

According to Boville, the mobile clinic might be back in Haliburton County in late November or early December.

Here’s what you need to know before you go:

• Bring your health card. If you do not have a health card or your health card is expired, bring another form of government photo ID such as a driver’s licence, passport, Status card, or birth certificate.

• Ensure you are eligible if you are wanting to receive a third dose. Currently, people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems can get a third dose. Booster doses are also available for people 70+ (born in 1951 or earlier), Indigenous adults and adult nonIndigenous household members, health care workers or essential care providers, and individuals who received a full series of AstraZeneca or Johnson & Johnson vaccines at least six months (168 days) after their second dose of vaccine. Click here for full eligibility information.

• Eat and drink something before you arrive to prevent feeling faint or dizzy while being vaccinated.

• Dress for the weather in case there is a line-up. Be sure to wear clothing that allows for easy access to the upper arm such as a loose-fitting top or T-shirt.

• Wear a mask that covers your nose, mouth, and chin.

• Do not visit the GO-VAXX bus if you have symptoms of COVID-19.

Fighting the flu

By

Lisa Gervais

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November 18, 2021

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While COVID-19 may be top of mind for many, area residents are being encouraged to get vaccinated against another seasonal illness that will soon be here.

Influenza season is on the horizon, and to better protect yourself against the flu this fall and winter, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is encouraging people to get their free flu vaccine.

Locally, there are many different ways to get the flu vaccine; including pharmacies in Haliburton County, which can provide flu vaccine to anyone two years of age and older.

High-dose flu vaccines for people 65 years of age and older are also available at pharmacies.

A complete list of local pharmacy locations providing flu vaccines is available at hkpr.on.ca.

Local health care providers can also provide the flu vaccine. People should contact their primary care provider to see about getting one.

The Health Unit is providing flu vaccine clinics for children under the age of five who do not have a family doctor. Clinics are appointment only, so to schedule a time, call the Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 1507.

“The flu vaccine is safe, effective and your best defence against influenza,” said Dr. Natalie Bocking, Medical Officer of Health with the HKPR District Health Unit. “Getting the flu vaccine will also help prevent unnecessary hospital visits and reduce the strain on our health care system, which continues to deal with the impact of COVID-19.”

For those worried that getting the flu shot will affect their ability to get a COVID19 shot, don’t fear. “It is safe to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu shot at the same time, so if you’re receiving your flu shot and still have yet to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, now is the time to get them,” Dr. Bocking added.

Flu vaccine is recommended for anyone six months and older. This is especially true for those most at risk of getting sick from flu, including: babies, young children, seniors, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems.

To further stop the spread of flu, and COVID-19, the Health Unit recommends that people wash their hands thoroughly and often, sneeze and cough into their sleeves, and stay home from work and school if they are sick. Eating well, getting sufficient sleep and being physically active on a regular basis also helps keep the body’s immune system strong.

COVID boosters and pneumonia vaccines

County doctor, Nell Thomas, said people should be reminded about not only flu shots, but COVID-19 boosters and pneumonia vaccines as well.

She said there’s an average of 13,895 confirmed influenza cases annually in Ontario. Each year, flu vaccines are tweaked to capture the circulating strains. These are identified during the flu season in Australia, which happens ahead of North America’s.

She noted that as of 2019, the vaccines no longer use eggs and therefore an egg allergy is not a reason to avoid a flu vaccine.

“You can track on the Government of Canada website a weekly flu report watch summary. Flu season starts mid-November and ends mid to late March. Getting a vaccine reduces risk of contracting the virus, spreading the virus, and reduces the severity of this respiratory illness,” Dr. Thomas said.

She added eligibility for third booster shots for COVID-19 continues to increase, now including health care workers and adults 70 years and older with six months since their last shot. She said research shows immunity to the virus wanes considerably a few months after vaccination, and COVID vaccine antibodies may disappear in seven months, so that as the virus continues to circulate our chances of contracting increases again, as does our risk of transmitting to others or having a more serious illness. “By keeping our immunity high with booster shots, and getting the majority of people vaccinated, the transmission of this virus will be diminished and eventually stopped,” she said.

Dr. Thomas added that anyone over 65, and anyone from 19-64 with immune compromising illness is recommended to get the pneumonia vaccine.

Hart sentencing delayed, hearing set for December

By

Mike Baker

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November 18, 2021

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Haliburton man Norman Hart will undergo a “professional assessment” before he is sentenced, after being found guilty of manslaughter in the July 17, 2019 death of his housemate Robert James Brown.

During a brief court appearance Nov. 15, defence lawyer Rob Chartier asked Justice Michelle Fuerst if he could have a one month stay so that his client could be analyzed. It was not revealed to the court what type of assessment was to be carried out.

Fuerst agreed to accommodate the request, setting another hearing for 9 a.m. on Dec. 10, where she expects Chartier to provide a status update regarding the assessment.

“We need to move on [with this],” Fuerst said. “… The file is aging, and it’s to no one’s advantage that that happens.”

Hart was not present at this week’s hearing, which took place virtually over Zoom. It was noted that he would not be expected to appear on Dec. 10.

At a previous hearing, on Sept. 7, Fuerst found Hart guilty of manslaughter after an incident at a rented house at 34 Highland Street. A dispute between Hart and Brown centered around a $500 cheque Hart had received from the City of Kawartha Lakes Housing Corporation.

“Norman Hart and Robert Brown got into an argument over how the money from the cheque would be split. The argument turned physical and Norman Hart, while … under the influence of alcohol and drugs, lost control and beat Robert Brown, causing multiple injuries, including serious head and chest injuries that led to his death,” said Rebecca Griffin, Crown prosecutor.

Following the beating Hart fled the scene, returning several hours later with Brown’s ex-girlfriend and another man. When they arrived, they found Brown lying on the floor in the hallway, “cold to the touch and obviously deceased.” Police were called and Hart was taken into custody.

In September, Hart pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, but guilty to manslaughter. His case will be back in court on Dec. 10.