Moose FM CHMS 97.7 - Bancroft

Last Sunday afternoon seven men were canoeing and paddle boating in the Otonabee River near Keene, when one of the canoes capsized, dumping two men into the water. Neither was wearing a personal floatation device (PFD). One of the men was a non-swimmer who panicked. The man who could swim was able to grab onto a canoe and pull himself from the water, but the non-swimmer sank. The 26 year-old man who was pulled safely from the water, was treated for Hypothermia at hospital. The body of the drowned man was not recovered until Monday afternoon. The victim is a 23 year-old man from Toronto. Water temperature at the time of the incident was approximately 64 degrees.

With the arrival of warmer weather, you may be spending more time outdoors and that could put you at risk of getting tetanus, if you are not up to date with your immunizations. Tetanus is an acute and often fatal disease caused by bacteria in dirt, dust and soil. You can get a tetanus infection from a minor scrape or puncture or an animal bite. The toxin released by the bacteria blocks normal control of nerve reflexes in the spinal column, resulting in painful muscles spasms that can affect the ability to breathe. Immunize Canada recommends being up to date on your tetanus booster. You should get a tetanus booster every ten years; it is safe and free for all Canadians.

The Lakefield Trail Committee believes that is just a matter of time before the Emerald Ash Borer arrives in the Lakefield area. Many ash trees have been planted along the Lakefield Trail and the Ash Borer has no natural enemies in Ontario. The Lakefield Trail Committee has decided to inoculate the ash trees with a vaccine against the Emerald Ash Borer. The treatment has to be repeated every two years for a period of ten years. Local resident Matt Logan, of Logan Tree Experts, has been hired to inoculate the ash trees.

With the start of summer, the risk of West Nile virus returns and your local Health Unit reminds you to take precaution by avoiding mosquitoes that can spread the disease. To reduce the risk of West Nile virus, you should:

The Health Unit will be continuing its annual West Nile virus monitoring program.

The Township of Selwyn is supporting another Habitat for Humanity build in the municipality. The decision was made at the May 14^th Council meeting. The Township will once again partner with Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and District by selling a lot that it owns on Fitzgerald Street in Lakefield. This lot backs onto the first Habitat build site. In 2012, the Township worked with Habitat to create an affordable housing opportunity in Lakefield. The local Planning Committee is eager to get its second project underway. Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & District is a non-profit organization that was established in 2002. 

“Finding affordable housing can be challenging and it is exciting that we can once again work with Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and District to support the creation of an affordable home for a family in our Township” said Mayor Mary Smith.

“Habitat Peterborough and District is excited about our partnering once again with the Township of Selwyn. Providing a ‘hand up’ is what this project is all about. We recognized that our first build in Lakefield changed the lives of not only the new homeowners but also for the sponsors and volunteers. We know that this will happen again with this second build.” states Steve Smith, Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & District Board Chair

Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & District is a non-profit organization that was established in 2002.  Habitat works with partners and community members to build simple, decent and affordable homes for low-income families.