Northumberland County’s hospice has received a helping hand with a fundraiser netting more than $111,000 for the Hamilton Township care centre.

The Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre Foundation has announced its fifth annual “Handbags for Hospice” event, held on April 4 in Cobourg, has raised $111,115 through the support of sponsors and community members.

The proceeds will help Ed’s House, an integral service of Community Care Northumberland (CCN), provide hospice service programs in the community.

Money raised supports such programs as the palliative care community team and visiting hospice, in partnership with the 24/7 end-of-life care and support provided at Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre. Ed’s House services are offered at no cost to hospice clients and their families.

“The success of the April 4th event is a testament to the incredible support we have received from our community,” said the event committee co-chairs, Jan Rosamond and Pam Trumper, in a prepared statement.

“It’s heartwarming to see everyone come together for such a meaningful cause. We are immensely proud of what we have accomplished together as a committee, and we look forward to continuing our work to support hospice care in Northumberland.”

Sherry Gibson, director of hospice services, added, “The generosity displayed at Handbags for Hospice will make a profound difference in the lives of those in need.

“We are deeply thankful for the continued support of our sponsors, donors, and community members.”

The foundation recognized supporters and sponsors, including its signature sponsor, Tony Pulla of Re/Max Lakeshore Realty, and pearl sponsor, Jacqueline Pennington of Re/Max Hallmark First Group Realty, and the venue, Best Western Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre, for hosting the event.

It also pointed to the success of the donor matching initiative led by Lynn Hardy, Ed’s House foundation chair.

“Together with our attendees, Lynn’s matching gift for our ‘Give a Gift from the Heart’ feature helped raise an incredible $33,832,” the foundation noted.

Support for Give a Gift from the Heart is being funnelled into building and completing the final four suites at Ed’s House.

Creating a space “where life is lived” and the setting is home-like, Ed’s House strives to make hospice care a tranquil experience for Northumberland County residents and their family members.

Residents, relatives, and friends have access to all amenities at Ed’s House including a dining room, living room, quiet space, spiritual room, a kitchen and an outdoor space, along with shower and laundry facilities. Loved ones who wish to do so can stay overnight in their family member’s room.

“They experience a quiet, home-like environment in a lovely private suite for the time of their stay,” Trish Baird, CEO of CCN, earlier told kawarthaNOW.

“The provincial government does support a portion of the operating costs of hospices, but the Ed’s House foundation must raise 46 per cent of our annual operating budget from the community through donations, grants, and fundraising activities such as this,” Baird noted. “This translates into needing community support of over $4,750 for each individual who stays at Ed’s House.”

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support from our sponsors and community,” she added. “Many thanks also to the Handbags for Hospice committee who were able to deliver a fun, entertaining and memorable evening for all.”

Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre opened in the fall of 2020. In addition to providing a comfortable setting to receive palliative care, Ed’s House acts as a centralized “hub” for CCN’s interdisciplinary hospice services team by providing caregiver support, palliative outreach and education, health system navigation and grief and bereavement supports.

Editor’s note: This story deals with suicide and contains graphic content that may shock, offend, and upset. Reader discretion is advised.

Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has finished its investigation into the death by suicide of a 40-year-old man in a Lakefield apartment on Boxing Day and has cleared a Peterborough police officer of any criminal wrongdoing.

According to the SIU’s report of its investigation, on December 26, 2023 at 1:28 a.m., a woman called the Peterborough Police Service to report that her son with mental health issues was suicidal and was at his apartment on Queen Street in Lakefield. She said he had texted her and said he would hang himself, sending her a photo of a noose.

The police officer who was the subject of the SIU’s investigation arrived at man’s apartment and knocked on the door. The man answered the door, told the officer to leave, and closed and locked the door behind him.

The man’s mother, who had also arrived at the scene, gave the officer a key to enter the apartment. After the officer entered, the man confronted him with a metal baseball bat, which he used to cross-check the officer in the face.

The officer withdrew from the apartment until additional police officers arrived at the scene, when they heard loud banging noises from within the man’s apartment. They attempted to communicate with him, including by calling and texting his phone, but he did not respond or answer his phone.

At 2:03 a.m., a police officer forced open the apartment door and officers entered the apartment, discovering the man lying supine on the kitchen floor with a rope around his neck. Officers began cardiopulmonary resuscitation with emergency medical services, who were at the scene on standby, taking over. The man was pronounced dead at 2:26 a.m.

“On my assessment of the evidence, there are no reasonable grounds to believe that the (subject officer) committed a criminal offence in connection with the (victim’s) death,” writes SIU director Joseph Martino in his report.

“The (subject officer) comported himself at all times with due care and regard for the (victim’s) health and well-being. He arrived on scene quickly, did what he could to reach the (victim) by phone and text, encouraged him to refrain from hurting himself, and tried to intervene physically on several occasions.”

“On the second such occasion, after the (victim’s mother) had provided him a key, the (subject officer) was assaulted by the (victim). In the circumstances, the officer was right to wait for additional officers to arrive on scene before trying to enter again. In the meantime, he continued to text the (victim).”

Martino also concluded the other police officers who arrived at the scene “acted with dispatch in formulating an approach plan” and, after finding the man unresponsive in the apartment, “also acted with haste in rendering medical care.”

“I am satisfied that the (subject officer) and the other officers on scene did not transgress the limits of care prescribed by the criminal law in their dealings with the (victim). As such, there is no basis for proceeding with criminal charges.”

The SIU is a civilian law enforcement agency, independent of the police, that conducts criminal investigations into circumstances involving police and civilians that have resulted in serious injury, death, or allegations of sexual assault.

Remember that $70 million Lotto Max ticket that was sold in the Kawartha Lakes back on February 20?

Today, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) announced the winners are Doug and Enid Hannon of Lakefield — who kept their $70-million win a secret from their entire family for almost two months until they could get financial and legal advice.

While Enid purchased the winning ticket at Kinmount Independent Grocer on the way to their “camp,” it was Doug who discovered the ticket was the jackpot winner the day after the draw when he checked the OLG app.

“I was completely unaware that a winning ticket had been sold in our area,” Doug said. “So when I saw ‘Big Winner’ on the phone screen, I was shaking! My heart was pounding. I had to stare at it for a while and process all those zeroes. Then I had to check it a few more times.”

Doug, who has been retired for a few years, decided not to mention anything to his wife of 51 years until she got home from work.

“I went to the garage and buried my head in some work while I struggled with disbelief and thought about our next steps,” Doug said.

Doug made sure dinner was ready when Enid got home and waited until after they ate to give her the news.

“Doug told me to come into the computer room, and the OLG website was on the computer screen and he told me to check the numbers on ticket,” she said. “When I realized we had won a prize, I first thought it was a $70,000 win. Doug told me to recount all the zeros and that’s when it hit me that we won $70 million!”

The couple “hugged and cried and started talking about this wonderful opportunity we now have to help family and others,” and decided to keep their win a secret — even from their grown children and grandchildren — until they could get financial and legal advice as they started to make some plans for the money.

“Keeping this secret was killing me,” said Enid, who is about to retire.

About a week before collecting their prize at a special OLG winner celebration in Lakefield on Monday (April 22), the couple finally told their children and grandchildren about their win.

As for what they are going to do with the money, the couple has shared a few of their plans.

“I would like to travel across Canada to experience the beautiful nature of this country from coast to coast,” said the outdoors-loving Doug.

“I have been dreaming about a new kitchen for years and now I will get it, along with some other improvements to the house because we love where we live, and we don’t want to move,” added Enid.

VIDEO: Doug and Enid Hannon of Lakefield win $70 million Lotto Max jackpot

However, the couple’s top priority will be to support their family.

“Our family is most important, and we want to share this with them,” Doug said. “I want to ensure everyone is safe, secure and well taken care of.”

They also want to share a portion of their winnings with some community causes close to their hearts.

At the end of the winner celebration, Doug and Enid decided to also share their big secret with their extended family members by inviting them to a “special family meeting” where they revealed the $70 million win with a promise of a big family trip to celebrate together.

“This is truly a blessing for us and our family,” the couple added. “Like many people, you always hope to win the lottery, but we never dreamt this would happen to us! We are so very thankful.”

OLG will be hosting a special lottery retailer celebration at Kinmount Independent Grocer (4072 Kawartha Lakes County Road 121, Kinmount) on Friday (April 26) from noon to 3 p.m. The event will feature a free community barbeque (while supplies last) as well as free Lotto Max vouchers for those 18 years of age and older (while supplies last).

Police have arrested and charged a 29-year-old Havelock man with arson and other offences after a fire at a 20-unit apartment building in Havelock on Tuesday evening (April 23) that caused extensive damage and displaced 18 residents.

At around 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Peterborough County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a call about a fire at the building on George Street East, which is owned by the Peterborough Housing Corporation.

When officers arrived, fire crews were dealing with a fully engulfed structure fire. All occupants of the building were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.

Police spoke to a complainant at the scene who indicated that, after an argument, a man known to the complainant had uttered threats and left the building, which was then engulfed in flames. The complainant provided a description of the man to officers.

At around 7:30 p.m., officers received a call about a suspicious person and located the suspect a short distance away from the scene. As a result, police arrested and charged a 29-year-old male Havelock man with arson (disregard for human life), two counts of failure to comply with a probation order, possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes, and uttering threats to damage property.

Police are not releasing the name of the accused man to protect the identity of the complainant. The accused man is being held in custody for a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Peterborough.

Police have contacted the Office of the Fire Marshal which will be attending the scene to investigate. There will be a continued police presence in the area during the investigation.

The Peterborough Housing Corporation issued a media release about the fire on Wednesday, stating that it is working with the 18 residents who have been displaced as a result of the fire. While all residents have secured safe temporary accommodations, it is expected that it will take several weeks before more permanent housing will be secured.

“This has been a devastating experience for our residents and for the entire Havelock community,” says Peterborough Housing Corporation interim CEO Hope Lee in a media release. “I send them my most sincere sympathies for their trauma and loss.”

“I want to recognize the heroic efforts of our first responders who managed to get everyone out of the building safely and contain the fire despite difficult conditions. Thank you for your bravery and expertise.”

Lee also thanked the Havelock community and residents from neighbouring areas “for their remarkable response and support of the displaced people.”

Mandy Martin paid for her furnace with the money she made working behind the deli counter at the former Foodland in the village of Colborne.

The mayor of Cramahe Township in Northumberland County is familiar with the history and the importance of the former Toronto Street grocery store — Colborne’s only full supermarket — that was destroyed by fire in May 2023.

The township announced Tuesday (April 23) it had received a letter from Sobeys, the parent company of the Colborne Foodland, stating it would not be reopening a food store in Colborne.

“We know that people are missing it desperately — the access to food, a food store, and the deli, of course,” Martin told kawarthaNOW.

“I also appreciate though that for Sobeys, it’s a major business decision,” the mayor added. “We have a population here of 6,200. They have a Sobeys store 15 kilometres in Brighton to the east and then there’s Foodland, which is owned by Sobeys/governed by Sobeys, in Cobourg.”

She said that, given the former Colborne Foodland building was destroyed, Sobeys would have to start from scratch to bring the grocery store back to Colborne.

“While we are disappointed by this news, we know the strength and potential of our dynamic, growing community,” Martin said in a media release from the township.

“Colborne has successfully met all kinds of economic challenges in its 230 years-plus of foundation. Now, we encourage, and welcome all interested to consider this investment opportunity.”

Martin said maybe the location would provide an opportunity for another retailer, such as, for example, Giant Tiger.

Cramahe said it received the letter on April 23, signed by Mark Deans, director, development and transactions in Ontario, and Krista Payne, vice-president of operations in Ontario, for Sobeys Inc.

“We have made the difficult decision not to re-open the store,” the letter stated. “Regrettably, reopening is not a viable option. We understand that this will affect the community, and so wanted you to hear directly from us so that you are informed and prepared to address any questions from residents.”

The franchise owner and operator of the store is meeting with affected teammates, the letter continued, and in many cases employees who have transitioned to work at the Cobourg Foodland will retain those roles.

“Additionally, we are committed to supporting the remaining employees as they transition to another store or pursue other employment and career opportunities,” the letter stated.

Martin said residents are adapting and will continue to adapt to getting their groceries in a different way. For instance, Rutherford’s Farm & Roadside Market, a seasonal business in Colborne that sells fresh produce, baked goods and more, opened a month earlier in light of the Foodland being gone.

In addition, shortly after the fire, Downey Pharmacy on King Street East began stocking more food items. Colborne’s Mister Convenience store on Toronto Street also expanded its inventory to include more food.

In its letter, Sobeys said, “We wish to express our sincere gratitude to the Colborne community for their loyal patronage of the store over the years, and the dedication of our teammates in service to the community.”

The Little Britain Foodland in Kawartha Lakes was also closed by Sobeys last month, after the company decided not to renew its lease with the owner of the land where the grocery store is located.

“The decision to close a store is never one we make lightly, and various contributing factors are considered,” a Sobeys representative told kawarthaNOW in February. “We regularly review our operations, and the decision is driven by that regular assessment process and is in line with our normal course of business.”

Less than a year after Fleming College suspended 13 of its programs, college faculty and staff have been informed that another 29 programs won’t return this September.

In a letter issued Wednesday (April 24) and provided to kawarthaNOW, college president Maureen Adamson confirmed a decision made the previous day by Fleming’s board of governors to suspend the additional programs.

In her letter, addressed to all staff, Adamson pointed to “significant external events that have had an adverse effect on our college.” She specifically noted the federal cap on international students coming to Ontario and the elimination of educational private partnerships.

“The related significant reduction to our budget has had a profound impact on college operations,” wrote Adamson, adding “We are moving quickly to stabilize our institution and prepare for future years.”

“As a result, we have accelerated our program evaluation and review process, and we have made decisions about those programs we can no longer offer, those that we need to consolidate, and those that will grow.”

Adamson added provincial government direction has been part of that process in terms of programs “they will support.”

According to Adamson, other factors that have come into play in making program decisions include labour market demand, regional needs, and demographics.

The list of newly suspended programs is long and varied, ranging from Business – Accounting and Business – HR, to Environmental Technology and Fish and Wildlife Technology, to Law Clerk and Marketing Management, to Therapeutic Recreation and Urban Forestry. The complete list of suspended programs is available on Fleming College’s website.

Affected faculty and staff were informed of the programs’ suspension on Tuesday via a series of meetings held in person and virtually via Zoom.

“We appreciate this is very difficult news and realize that you may have many questions,” they were told according to a document shared with kawarthaNOW.

While there’s no definitive word at this point on what the programs’ suspension will mean in terms of lost faculty and staff jobs, those affected were told that Fleming College “will work closely with our union locals to meet our Employment Stability standards.”

In addition, affected faculty and staff were reminded that support is available through the college’s Employee and Family Assistance Program.

While the college is saying nothing about the impact of the programs’ suspension in terms of job loss, a source has told kawarthaNOW there will be “lots of layoffs” as a result of the programs’ suspension.

There is, however, some good news regarding affected students.

Adamson wrote in her letter that “the priority will be to enable the program completion of any student that is currently enrolled in any of the suspended programs.”

During Tuesday’s faculty and staff meetings, assurance was given that a “teach out” plan will be created to ensure affected students “will have the ability to complete their program in the normal amount of time.”

That plan will also provide details on how those students not following the usual time for program completion will be supported.

Watch kawarthaNOW for updates to this story as they become available.

Downtown Millbrook has been transformed into small-town U.S.A. for the filming of the popular action-thriller series Reacher, based on the best-selling books by British author Lee Child.

Filming is underway for the third season of the series starring Alan Ritchson as the titular character Jack Reacher, a brawny yet astute former military policeman who becomes a drifter after leaving the army and uses his expertise and physical strength and combat skills to solve crimes and right wrongs.

King Street between Tupper and Union will be closed to vehicular traffic during the filming, which began on Tuesday (April 23) and will wrap on Thursday.

Millbrook is standing in for a town in Maine during an episode of the third season of the Amazon Prime Video series, which is based on Child’s 2003 novel Persuader.

The seventh book in the series, Persuader finds Reacher working covertly with Susan Duff of the Drug Enforcement Administration to bring down Zachary Beck, a businessman who lives on the coast of Maine and is suspected of smuggling drugs under the pretext of trading in rugs, and to safely retrieve an undercover DEA agent who appears to have been discovered and kidnapped by Beck’s henchmen.

But Reacher’s primary motivation is more personal. He wants to exact revenge on Beck’s boss, a former military intelligence agent named Francis Xavier Quinn who Reacher thought he had killed 10 years earlier after Quinn brutally mutilated and murdered Dominique Kohl, a rising star in the military police under Reacher’s command.

VIDEO: Filming of “Reacher” fight scene in Millbrook

It’s unknown how closely the third season will follow the plot of the book. While the first season of Reacher — which included a non-speaking role by Peterborough actor Wyatt Lamoureux — was a faithful adaptation of Child’s 1997 debut Killing Floor, the second season based on 2007’s Bad Luck and Trouble took some liberties with that book’s plot and characters.

However, casting has been announced for most of the major characters who appear in the book, including Anthony Michael Hall as Zachary Beck, Johnny Berchtold as Beck’s son Richard, Sonya Cassidy as Susan Duff, and Brian Tee as Quinn.

One significant character in the book whose casting has not yet been announced is Paul “Paulie” Masserella, one of Quinn’s henchman who is even taller and more muscular than Reacher. Casting may be a challenge as Ritchson has continued to bulk up to physically embody Child’s protagonist — the muscular 6’2″ actor reportedly broke 240 pounds for season two of Reacher. In the two movies based on Child’s books, Reacher was played by the relatively diminutive Tom Cruise, to the consternation of many fans of the books.

Update: on May 23, 2024, it was announced that Dutch bodybuilder and actor Olivier Richters has been cast as Paulie. Nicknamed “The Dutch Giant,” Richters is 7’2″ and weighs 350 pounds.

The filming of the Reacher episode in Millbrook is only the latest example of the picturesque town’s popularity as a location in the film and television industry.

Films shot in Millbrook include 2003’s The Music Man starring Matthew Broderick, David Cronenberg’s 2005 film A History of Violence, and 2009’s Let It Snow, among others. Along with Reacher on Amazon Prime Video, scenes have been shot in Millbrook for the Netflix series Jupiter’s Legacy (2020) and Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities (2021), as well as for the Canadian TV series Murdoch Mysteries and Anne with an E.

While no release date has been set for season three of Reacher, speculation is the season may premiere on Amazon Prime Video as early as December or as late as February 2025.