FM 105.5 Muskoka's Lite Favourites

Whitby Man's Body Located in Rutter Lake

wgray@moosefm.com (editor) — Sun, 27 May 2012 20:42:36 +0000

Bracebridge OPP were called to the Fish Hatchery Road area of Muskoka Lakes Township yesterday where a man was reported missing after a kayaking incident. Officers were notified around 5pm that the man had become separated from his kayak in Rutter Lake and could not be located. Officers searched the waterway and surrounding forest but did not find any trace of him. Today, the OPP's Underwater Search and Recovery Unit (USRU) was called in to conduct a search of the lake. Just before noon, divers located the man. 20 year old Douglas James Vickery of Whitby was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say he was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident. Police are still investigating the factors that led up to his death.

New Huntsville Habitat Build Celebrates Groundbreaking Today

wgray@moosefm.com (editor) — Sun, 27 May 2012 11:27:04 +0000

Habitat for Humanity Muskoka is hosting their groundbreaking ceremony today. They will break ground on their 2012 Huntsville Society of St. Vincent de Paul Build, beside 39 West Street at 3pm. Habitat for Humanity is non-profit housing program that seeks to eliminate poverty housing worldwide. For more information visit habitatmuskoka.com

Firefighter Injured by Falling Tree

mclegg@1051edfm.com (Maggie) — Sat, 26 May 2012 11:47:29 +0000

A Lake of Bays firefighter has been injured while fighting a bush fire on Walkers Lake. He suffered lower back injuries when a tree fell on him yesterday and he was kept in hospital overnight for observation. The fire is now out and is believed to have been caused by an unattended camp fire. Huntsville Fire Chief Steve Hernen reminds everyone that there is a total fire ban still in place for all of Muskoka and it will remain until further notice.

Defeat Depression Day

mclegg@1051edfm.com (Maggie) — Sat, 26 May 2012 11:34:11 +0000

It's a chance to raise awareness for and defeat the stigma towards mental illness and depression. Muskoka Parry Sound Community Mental Health Services is hosting Defeat Depression, a two or five kilometre walk, run pole or roll on Sunday. Brent Baker says they want people to talk about mental illness openly. The event is happening in Parry Sound, Huntsville, and Bracebridge. For details on how to register head to www.defeatdepression.ca.

Environment Minister Says no to Bala Falls Individual Environmental Assessment Requests

wgray@moosefm.com (editor) — Fri, 25 May 2012 21:40:15 +0000

Ontario’s Minister of the Environment Jim Bradley is saying no to requests for an individual environmental assessment (EA) at the North Bala Small Hydro Project. In a letter to Swift River Energy Limited, the company proposing to put a controversial hydro plant in at Bala Falls, he confirms his decision. Bradley writes that his decision is final and that it was made after giving careful consideration to the over 75 requests he’s received asking that he review a previous decision made by the Director of the Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch, which came to the same conclusion – that an EA isn’t warranted. Contacted today, Swift River Energy’s Karen McGhee said the company was pleased with the decision and is looking forward to moving ahead with Bala Falls Option #1. McGhee says a more detailed response from the company will come in a press release issued in the next 24 hours.

TLDSB Places Moratorium on High Jump

wgray@moosefm.com (editor) — Fri, 25 May 2012 10:54:18 +0000

The Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) has placed a moratorium on High Jump at its elementary and secondary schools after a Smiths Falls student died last month, after taking part in the event. Director of Education Larry Hope says it's in place because the board wants to ensure practices are consistent withOntario Physical and Health Education Association (OPHEA) guidelines and that the training and certification of their coaches is also in compliance. For elementary students, High Jump is also not allowed at competition events.

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Better trained TLDSB secondary school students, who, for example, belong to track clubs can continue to do high jump at competition events with parental consent, but it's recommended the Fosbury flop not be done. The moratorium began last week and a committee will begin looking at what's needed to properly certify coaches and to take an inventory of equipment being used. Hope says the board will have a clearer direction on the issue later in June after they look at all the factors.

Muskoka Grandview Opening A Slow Process

wgray@moosefm.com (editor) — Fri, 25 May 2012 10:48:47 +0000

With Muskoka Grandview re-opening, the resort's new management, The Lodges of Blue Mountain is working at getting it ready for you and other visitors. LBM president Sheldon Rosen says it’s going to be a slow opening.

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The re-opening is going to create job opportunities. Rosen says the jobs will depend on where they stand in the booking process.

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Rosen says they are currently looking for people to fill positions at front desk, reception, light maintenance and housekeeping.

Local Volunteers Given Award For Years of Service

wgray@moosefm.com (editor) — Fri, 25 May 2012 10:46:37 +0000

(Photo Supplied By: Melissa Candelaria) 12-year-old, Spruce Glen Public School Hailey was given the volunteer award for her two years of service at Heritage Place

It was a ceremony to recognize a combined 14-hundred years of volunteer service. The Huntsville Volunteer Service Awards was held at the Algonquin Theatre last night. Twelve-year-old Hailey was awarded for her two-years of volunteering at Heritage Place. She says it was an exciting night.

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The Spruce Glen Public School student says got into volunteering at Heritage Place because it was a great way to help out her community.

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The ceremony recognized other volunteers in Muskoka, the Parry Sound and Almaguin Highlands district for five to 60 or more years of service.

To view the list of recipients visit: http://ontario.ca/vr60.

Bracebridge Roundabout Open

wgray@moosefm.com (editor) — Fri, 25 May 2012 10:40:25 +0000

It's open! Muskoka's first roundabout is now construction-free and open for drivers. The roundabout at Cedar Lane and Taylor Road in Bracebridge was greeted with a lot of thumbs up last night as it opened around 7:00pm. Manager of Engineering Services for the District Craig Douglas says most drivers faired very well and used the roundabout perfectly. He adds it's important though that drivers yield to those already in the roundabout, regardless of which road you approach on.

A Local Park Turning 86!

wgray@moosefm.com (editor) — Fri, 25 May 2012 10:36:07 +0000

And a local park is turning 86-years-old. The 86^th anniversary celebrations of Annie Williams Park in Bracebridge will take place Sunday. Outdoor art acknowledging the donations to the Extreme Makeover will be unveiled at the 1:00pm ceremony.