Frank Figuli said one of the most effective ways for people to make a positive difference in the Highlands is to partner with U-Links to bring a focused, community-based research project to life.

The non-profit’s program coordinator said U-Links is actively taking on proposals from the public, with initiatives typically centred on environmental, cultural, social and economic issues.

Once a project has been approved, Figuli said U-Links markets them to students from Trent and Guelph universities.

Last year, the organization worked with 239 students on 38 projects across the County. Some of the major initiatives included analyzing the viability of artificial loon nesting platforms, how to implement underground greenhouses in Haliburton County; and whether municipal digesters are an effective tool to reduce landfill waste.

As of early June, Figuli said he had found students for five projects for the 2026-27 academic year, though he’s hoping to match last year’s total. Rather than assigning proposals to young researchers, Figuli said U-Links allows students to pick their projects. That’s why some proposals have sat on the shelf for many years.

“I don’t cherry pick. Anything we have an opportunity to pursue, we pursue. The bottleneck comes because it’s up to students to apply,” Figuli said. “That’s really the best way – then you know you’re getting someone who’s passionate and excited about what they’re doing. You’re going to have more heart and soul put in.”

There will be more work done this fall on the artificial loon nesting platform study, while students will also look into seasonal apple production in community kitchens, help develop a hazardous algae bloom reporting framework for the County, and provide data-driven insights for CanoeFM’s future.

While Figuli said about 80 per cent of U-Links programming is environmental, thanks largely to offerings under its Woodlands and Waterways Eco-Watch program, there are interesting proposals ready to go in other sectors.

U-Links has one project drafted with the Haliburton basic income group, to investigate the benefits of a guaranteed livable wage and potential pathways to making it happen. Figuli said he’s also been working with Canoe’s Roxanne Casey on a project unpacking the history of the radio station building, which was once a Red Cross Outpost.

There’s also a project with the Haliburton Highlands Arts Centre Foundation to do a follow-up on a feasibility study completed in 2022. The organization wants to build a new performing arts facility and has secured land on Wonderland Road.

“We’re looking to do a community and stakeholder assessment for them, looking at things from the public’s perspective on what they want for programming and amenities they want in a new building,” Figuli said. “We don’t have matches for any of these projects yet, but we’re hoping to have them paired with students for the fall.”

For anyone looking to pitch a new idea, Figuli said they have until Aug. 10 to firm up their interest. There’s a PDF on the U-Links website for people to follow-up. They need to provide a brief description of the problem or challenge they’re facing, what questions they’d like answered and how the project would benefit the community.

“If there’s a person or an organization that doesn’t have the bandwidth or resources right now to approach something they’re interested in, a community-based research project is a great way to support that, provide an experiential learning opportunity to somebody entering the professional workforce, and get their questions answered 99 per cent of the time,” Figuli said.

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) had workers at Skyline Park in Haliburton June 15-17 for the installation of the new year-round washroom facilities.

A part of Haliburton Rotary’s two-year rehabilitation project at the park, the washrooms are wheelchair accessible confirmed Charles Wheeler, a local Rotarian and lead of the project. He said the building, which contains two toilets, has a 2,000-gallon holding tank that will be routinely pumped out.

The washroom building was manufactured in Thunder Bay and shipped to Haliburton. It was brought into the site on an oversized truck bed and lifted onto the concrete pad with a crane.

Wheeler said the building weighed 32,385 pounds, making the installation a “tough job.” The MTO assumed the costs, estimated at $65,000. Wheeler said the washrooms would be opened this summer.

Further accessibility upgrades planned this year include a new upper viewing platform, constructed from donated granite, the installation of six historical display boards and Indigenous land acknowledgment. There will also be a second picnic shelter installed. Wheeler said the project is on budget at $200,000, including the MTO contribution.

When life gave Halls Lake teen Kadyn Gilooly lemons last summer, she embraced the old cliché and immediately got to work figuring out how to turn them into lemonade.

The now 14-year-old is one of the top up-and-coming motocross racers in the province. After a knee injury ended her 2025 season prematurely, Gilooly used her spare time putting together a business plan for her new venture, The Lemon Bar, which has been making the rounds across Haliburton County this summer.

A mobile refreshment trailer serving homemade lemonade and other specialty drinks, Gilooly has been busy getting her new brand out to the public in recent weeks. She was at Snowflake Meadows’ magical festival fundraiser and the Haliburton County Fair in June, the Minden Canada Day celebrations July 1 and served at her first birthday party last Saturday (June 27).

Gilooly said she plans to attend the Norland Fair July 9 and the Sunset Social event in Head Lake Park in Haliburton July 11.

The concept, she said, was born out of a desire to keep busy while she was hurt. The branding and menu were established last summer, with Gilooly approaching her dad, Kieran, who owns Northern HVAC, for a business loan. She wanted to use the money to repurpose an old trailer on her parents’ property into The Lemon Bar’s new digs, though eventually found a better deal online.

“I got the idea from motocross – there have been a few stands up at my races and I always looked forward to trying them out. So, I figured why not do something like that for myself,” Gilooly said. “We bought a lot of the equipment and syrups last year, so we were ready to launch right away as soon as the weather started getting better.”

The young business owner said “we squeeze to please” with every beverage. While traditional lemonade is a favourite, there are other flavourful options including the shark attack, sugar cloud, peach paradise, pink dragon, the kraken and mermaid escape – a sugar-free option.

The venture has given Gilooly some vital hands-on experience. She’s learning how to manage people, with her friends volunteering their time to help during events, where they split tips. She’s also getting a taste for budgeting, marketing, customer service and inventory management.

She hopes to keep busy through summer, saying her stand is available for bookings. People can contact: the.lemon. bar.kg@gmail.com. Gilooly said she plans to save her earnings for her postsecondary education. She wants to get into anesthesiology one day.

“I’ve always wanted to do something in the medical field. I know it takes a long time to become a surgeon, so I’m looking into becoming an anesthesiologist assistant or something, just to cut down on the school time,” Gilooly said.

Racing will still be a priority – she is currently the second-ranked racer in Ontario in her age and race category. Now fully healed from her torn posterior cruciate ligament, Gilooly said her goal is to finish first overall. The season runs until late October.

“I want that champions jacket at the end of the year. My brother has one and I want to get one for myself,” Gilooly said.

By Adam Frisk Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Proud parents, friends, and extended family gathered at Archie Stouffer Elementary School on June 19 to hear the class of ‘26 roar one last time.

The evening was filled with humour, nostalgia, and some words of wisdom as 40 graduates said goodbye to their teachers and prepare for the next step in their young lives.

Kelson Bagshaw took the stage as the Grade 8 valedictorian and delivered a heartfelt send-off to the graduating class.

With a little dose of self-deprecation, Bagshaw joked about his unlikely path to the podium, where he stood in front of a packed gymnasium.

“One year ago, I had no idea what a valedictorian was or how to pronounce it, yet here I am this evening,” the student said. “By looking at my friends here tonight, we’ve definitely increased our aura.”

Looking back on his time at Archie Stouffer, Bagshaw spoke about how the graduating class once walked into the school with “backpacks bigger than we were” and became a tight-knit group of “hardworking, loud, fun, chatty individuals with strong personalities” who were proud to call themselves wildcats.

The young man recounted countless recesses packed with football, four-square, and mini-sticks, as well as memorable field trips to a Toronto Blue Jays game, Medieval Times, and an overnight stay at Camp Muskoka.

Other highlights included the girls’ volleyball team beating the boys twice and a holiday concert mishap.

“We definitely rocked the Christmas concert, or so I’m told, as I don’t remember much as I’m still recovering from the concussion,” Bagshaw joked. “Thanks, friends.”

The valedictorian expressed gratitude toward the teachers who consistently went above and beyond, while admitting, “I’m sure we’ve pushed you to your [limits], or at least I know I have!”

As the grads prepare to transition from wildcats to hawks, Bagshaw left his peers with some advice for high school: sign up for clubs, work hard, and “stay away from the plane!

“Stand your ground and stand up for others,” Bagshaw told his classmates. “These next four years will go fast, so make the best of them.”

Before stepping from the stage, the valedictorian closed the chapter on their elementary school years with a final rally cry.

“So for one last time, wildcats roar!”

If Travis Kelce had not publicly shared on his podcast that he tried to give Taylor Swift a friendship bracelet with his phone number on it at her Kansas City concert – the two would not be married today.

Wilberforce Elementary School principal Mike Gervais told the graduating class last Wednesday (June 24) that 90 per cent of success – like Kelce did – is just showing up. “Because the coolest things in life happen when you just show up. Think about that.”

He said when the eight grads first came to the school for Grade 4, they were small and wide-eyed but are now taller and wiser. He said they had survived the rollercoaster of elementary school, making staff laugh, proud, and a few students causing them to consider early retirement. However, he had nothing but praise for the graduates.

Valedictorians, Morgan McKnight and Emmett Wimperly, thanked teachers. They reminisced about a great school trip to Toronto to see a Blue Jays game. They noted that being such a small class allowed them to get close, and teachers and staff to know the students well.

They borrowed a phrase from teacher Jacob Findeis who often says, “it’s okay not to know, but it’s not okay not to ask’.”

Highlands East mayor Dave Burton told grads they could accomplish anything with hard work and determination.

And, retiring school board trustee, Gary Brohman, noted it takes a community to get graduates to the podium.

He said their pending journey to high school starts with hard work, with his trademark advice: “go to class, go to class, go to class.” He said high school would be the best years of their lives.

The grad also marked the retirement of long-time secretary Sandy MacDonald, and the departure of teacher Rachel Manol.

MacDonald said, “this has been the best school that I’ve ever worked in. I came here, and it is the diamond in the rough, and it is the families, and the community, and the students. I am going to miss all of that so much.”

She wished the grads well, and said she looked forward to hearing about their journeys into the future.

Graduates: Ameira Burke-Campbell; Clayton Cline; Isabella Lamb; Morgan McKnight; Phoenix Oldfield; Ryan Downey; Conner Wiebe and Emmett Wimperly.

By Adam Frisk Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Families, friends, and staff gathered to celebrate the J. Douglas Hodgson Elementary School class of 2026 last Tuesday (June 23), with dual valedictorians sharing the stage to reflect on their unique five-year journey.

Aley Jones and Linus Gervais opened their speech to a packed gymnasium by looking back on their transition to middle school at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced them to miss out on traditional “link day” orientations.

“Although that was less than optimal, it taught us to be resilient and to problem-solve while we found our way around our new school,” Gervais said. “That fear of the big, daunting middle school went away quickly because the staff made us feel welcomed and at home.”

The duo joked about how far they had come since Grade 4, when their biggest academic milestone was simply remembering their Google passwords.

“Now we are graduating from JDH,” Gervais said. “That is a big upgrade.”

From playing sports to school clubs, the graduates celebrated the tight-knit community they built. Jones highlighted memorable field trips to Canada’s Wonderland, the Toronto Zoo, and a Blue Jays game, alongside an unforgettable Grade 6 trip to Camp Muskoka, where she broke a leg.

“That trip will definitely be unforgettable!” Jones joked.

Gervais highlighted the unique advantages of growing up in Haliburton, with the school’s vast backyard where students spent years playing sports and manhunt.

“Not many schools have a backyard like we do,” he told the crowd.

The graduates took some time to express gratitude to their parents and teachers. Jones joked that parents deserved diplomas for surviving years of middle school mood swings. Staff from both the French immersion and English streams were recognized for keeping learning engaging and ensuring that every student felt included.

As the class of ‘26 set their sights on Haliburton Highlands Secondary School, Gervais encouraged his classmates to remain authentic and embrace new opportunities like woodworking, guitar, and pottery.

“Be yourself,” he said. “Your best friendships are formed from truths, not lies, and if your goal is to be ‘cool’ then you should think again.”

Lastly, the valedictorians reminded their classmates that mistakes are the greatest motivator for growth.

“Although our paths may go different ways, we are all Jags, and that will always be our bond.”

Trustee Gary Brohman said he has attended countless graduations over the years, but always finds the one for Alternate Education (Alt Ed) special.

“I use the word perseverance,” he told this year’s graduating class of 22 students.

As a young teacher coming to Haliburton, Brohman said he was mentored by education giant, J.D. Hodgson, who told him every child learned at a different pace, and different time, so “don’t be too hard on them.”

In the case of adult ed, the gowned students chose an alternative education path that would lead them to the greatest success – and last Wednesday (June 25) marked the milestone with a celebration at McKeck’s in Haliburton.

Brohman urged grads to celebrate their victories, especially their graduation.

He went on to honour administrative head, Lori Sargent, who is retiring, saying, “she’s as good as it gets.” She will be replaced by Hal High vice principal Martin Gage.

Principal Katie Ferguson said the grads should be proud of themselves.

“What you’ve accomplished takes heart, focus and belief in your own potential.” She said the crop was resilient, not giving up when life threw obstacles in their way. “You don’t give up. You adapted. You showed up and you pushed through. You belong here. You are in this moment.”

Ferguson added regardless of what they do next, the world needed “their grit, unique perspectives and unstoppable spirits.”

Brandee Fortin gave the graduate address, commenting on how she was finishing high school at the age of 45. She said learning had no age limit, and that it is never too late to keep going, growing, and reaching goals. She is now headed towards more education and then a personal support worker (PSW) career.

She told grads to keep believing in themselves and keep moving forward – even when life takes longer than expected.

Sargent said while a small graduating class locally, the School of Alternate Education in TLDSB had more than 150 graduates, with its online virtual program having another 100 graduates.

She added, “I know what we do is sometimes a mystery to our community. We have a variety of options for students. For example, Haliburton County Huskies hockey players attended our centre taking academic courses so they could get to their practices and work around their away games. We have co-op (when students have part-time and full-time jobs they can keep getting paid and count their hours), and apprenticeship programs. We offer online and in-class courses, and we administer the Jr. and Sr. PLAR program (mature credit/equivalencies/assessments) for those turning 18 and older.”

Graduates: Kaeden Barnett; Chanel Bowman; Braxton Cooper; Gregory Daniel; Hailey Davison; Chase Del Colombo; Brandee Fortin; Chloe Forggett; Jordyn Greer; Emma Hewitt; Hannah Kehoe; Cody Keller; Kayla MacDonald; Brock Mackie; Matthias Malette; Eric Mallett; Charles Mulley; Clare Phippen; Dominic Smith; Jazmin Smith; Matthew Tucker and Evan Wheeler.

Hal High principal Jennifer Mills told the school’s class of 2026 to go out and make a difference in the world following their graduation last Thursday (June 25), saying “there is a superhero in all of us, we just need the courage to put on the cape.”

The gymnasium at the local high school was packed to the rafters, with teachers, family and friends celebrating this year’s 109 graduates.

“When we think of superheroes, we often think of flawless figures who have exceptional powers and abilities. But true greatness isn’t something you are suddenly handed, it is something you build,” Mills said. “And that cape? It doesn’t drop from the sky. You all have been weaving your cape together throughout the years.”

The principal said while many will have bright patches showcasing their success and victories, there are also weathered parts that represent mistakes.

“Do not hide these or wish them away. Keep them on that cape – they show you that you can do hard things… these experiences are what make you stronger. They represent resilience,” Mills said.

“High school may be over, but your journey is just beginning. The world is waiting. Take a deep breath, make good choices and put on your cape,” she added.

Teacher Justin Collins served as the master of ceremonies with speeches from Jennifer Clarke, superintendent with Trillium Lakelands District School Board, Tanya Boisvert, chair of the school council, and vice principal Martin Gage, on behalf of trustee Gary Brohman, who missed only his second Hal High graduation.

Carrying a cardboard cutout of Brohman, Gage said, “Gary is telling you that your diploma is your passport and no one can take it away from you. And remember, once a Hawk, always a Hawk.”

Thirty-four of the graduates made the honour roll, including valedictorian Trevin Bain-Gross. To be eligible, students had to maintain an average of 80 per cent or higher in their top six senior courses taken in their graduating year.

There were 143 awards handed out, with Jordanna Jennings and Ella Gervais each scooping seven, Aurora Wesley getting six and Hazel Jones and Ben McMahon winning four each.

After teaching all the graduates in Grade 9 English, Collins said he knew right away there was something special about the class of 2026.

“Over the last four years, there’s been one thing I’ve learned about this graduating class. It’s not that they’ve faced the tests, they’ve done that. It’s not that they won championships, they’ve done that too. They haven’t just painted the paintings, fixed the cars or baked the cakes – they have left a lasting legacy on this building,” Collins said.

“This class is a group of differencemakers… I challenge you now to find ways of continuing to leave an impact wherever you go. Do big things, the way you’ve done them here for the last four years,” he added.

By Adam Frisk Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Local non-profit SIRCH Community Services marked a major milestone on Monday (June 29), as its kitchen program reached 100,000 meals prepared and served to the community.

The community kitchen program in Haliburton village, which serves people facing food insecurity, individuals experiencing housing instability, financial difficulties, isolation, health issues and other circumstances, has seen demand skyrocket in recent years.

“In 2019 we were making about 300 meals a month,” said Gena Robertson, founding executive director of SIRCH.

“Then COVID hit and the need grew dramatically… We didn’t have the staff or the funding to meet that need alone.”

Robertson credited the achievement to a massive wave of grassroots support, noting that volunteers, donors, local businesses, and community partners all stepped forward to fill the gap.

Today, the program prepares 1,750 meals every month. The food is distributed through a collaborative network of 14 local community organizations.

Supporters, volunteers, and partners gathered at the bistro this week to reflect on the milestone and speak about the ongoing importance of supporting vulnerable neighbours with dignity and compassion.

As is tradition, YMCA Wanakita welcomed the public to its property on Koshlong Lake Road on Sunday (June 28) for its 49th annual community open house and strawberry social.

Hundreds of people came out for an afternoon of swimming, kayaking and a host of other free, fun activities, said Wanakita’s Aisling Higgins.

The party continued into the evening with a grand opening of the new Wayne Perkins Leadership Centre.

The $2.6 million facility is named in honour of the man who spearheaded Wanakita’s student counsellor program when he was camp director in the 1970s.

The 4,080 sq. ft. space includes a meeting area and Indigenous learning library.