Seagulls certainly must be one of the more acrobatic flyers of the winged world . . . 

Tuesday, May 27th - Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) Emergency  Grant recently approved an application on behalf of participating District A4 Lions Clubs in the amount of $10,000 (US) to provide support to the front line workers in their respective communities. Iroquois-Matilda Lions Club President, Evonne Delegarde, told southdundasinbox.com that $1,050 has been allocated to the Iroquois-Matilda Lions Club. 

     President Delegarde along with 1st Vice-President/LCIF Coordinator Jim Devenny have been working on this  grant to provide either a "Grab and Go" paper bag lunch or a  pizza lunch to PSW/nursing staff at J.W. MacIntosh; Hartford Retirement Centre; Bayshore HomeCare Solutions; Paramed and Carefor who provide services in our area. Two lunch dates have been organized; the first during the week of May 24th and a second date during the week of May 31st. Should funds be available a third date for the week of June 7th is in the works.

     Local grocery stores and food service establishments have agreed to provide the food items needed for this project and the Iroquois-Matilda Lions Club members are delivering the lunches to the appropriate locations. supporters include Carole Fowler at the Brinston General Store; and Mike Eastman at Iroquois Foodland.  Lions appearing in the accompanying photos include President Delegarde, Dave Horne and Shelley Hamilton.

Wednesday, May 20th - A Grenville County OPP officer was conducting general patrol on Highway 401, near Prescott, ON. when a vehicle was observed travelling eastbound at an initial speed of 166 km/h in a posted 100 km/h area. Earlier the same day, the same 45 year old driver, from London, Ontario, had been stopped in Napanee, ON,  for travelling at 145 km/h.

     Speed is a contributing factor to 17 deaths this year alone on OPP-patrolled roads. The OPP is committed to keeping our roads safe by providing high visibility, professional traffic stops and public education to drivers.

     - See more OPP news here . . .

                   - by CF 'Mike' McInnis

    It has been several years since the Morrisburg Collegiate Institute turned South Dundas Municipal Centre was opened. We thought it might be interesting to some people to learn how the old Morrisburg  High School property came to be owned by the Village of Morrisburg.

     This happened at the end of 1968 and there are not a lot of people around now who know the full story. I am not attempting to claim any special credit or blame in what happened at that time. As you will see a number of people on two councils and a school board acted unanimously to acquire title to the property. Was that a good move; you can be the judge. This short article is just an attempt to report what actually transpired, and preserve a bit of local history.

     The story starts prior to the St. Lawrence Seaway construction. The High School in Iroquois, which I attended from 1942 to 1947 was a very old building on a "back street". lt  was a small school; there were seldom more than one hundred and ten students in those years. When the Village of Iroquois was completely demolished  in the 1950s and relocated to its present site, Ontario Hydro constructed  a new high school building which is now  part of Seaway District High School.

     Morrisburg's  secondary school prior to the 1950s was a Collegiate Institute. I can recall that some of its students suggested to their counterparts in Iroquois that a collegiate  was just a bit better than a high school. The collegiate building was bigger, newer and better­ equipped than the Iroquois High School and attendance was slightly higher. 

     Not all of Morrisburg Village had to be relocated during the seaway project. The Collegiate, by that time a High School, was not affected hence no new building in Morrisburg. When the Seaway was completed Iroquois had the more modern high school.

     At that time there were separate elementary and high school boards. The Villages of  Iroquois and Morrisburg and the Townships, Matilda and Williamsburg each had their own elementary school boards. However these four municipalities had united, for high school purposes, in the late 1940's under one board, which had jurisdiction over Morrisburg and Iroquois High Schools. Membership  on the elementary boards was by public election each November. Members of the high school board were appointed by the four municipal councils.

     In the  late 1950s and early 1960's the Government of Ontario under Premier Leslie Frost and Education Minister John Robarts developed a plan to organize education at the high school level into various streams, occupations, technical and shop, commercial and academic. The Iroquois High School had been built with this in mind. The Morrisburg High School could not as easily accommodate these streams of students. There was some thought at the time of combining the two high schools, but neither Village wanted to give up its local school. The High School Board proceeded, with the approval of the Ministry of Education, to construct an addition on the north side of the Morrisburg  High School to accommodate the new streaming program .

     Shortly after the addition  was finished the Ministry of Education began pressing the local High School Board to combine the two schools. As a fairly new member of the Morrisburg  Village Council I can recall numerous joint meetings of the councils of the four municipalities with the Board to discuss this issue. The Ministry  finally summoned the members of all four councils and the members of the South Dundas High School Board to a meeting in Toronto and applied a great deal of pressure to merge the two high schools.The Ministry's message was clear; they wanted one high school and since the school in Iroquois was much newer they would only approve and finance a new school if it were by way of an addition to the existing Iroquois High School. This was a bitter pill for the people in Morrisburg who were not at all happy to lose their high school.

     Finally the Province forced the issue and since it controlled the purse strings the Board was forced to proceed with expansion of the Iroquois School while the Morrisburg  High School was closed. In the course of exerting pressure on the Board a senior official in the Ministry of Education wrote a letter to the School Board with copies to the local municipalities stating that the Morrisburg High School building had no value.

Monday, May 25th - The party was held in October. The cheque presentation took place in March. And COVID-19 has delayed the official announcement until now. But we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to say thank you to the generous women of Iroquois! 

     Spearheaded by Candace Latulippe and Evonne Delegarde, the event was called ‘Sugar Babies’ and it had a lively rock-and-roll theme. In all, $717 was raised for WDMH’s Diabetes Education Program. 

     The ladies-only event was held at the Iroquois Legion and all reports say it was a wonderful evening. Funds were raised through ticket sales, a 50/50 draw, and raffles. Guests competed in a variety of games and even enjoyed serenades from Elvis himself! 

     “Candace and Evonne have done a number of events like this for various charities and the WDMH Foundation is honoured to be included,” noted Cindy Peters, Manager of Direct Mail & Events. “Events like these, organized by generous community members, really make a difference and we are grateful!”. 

     WDMH’s Diabetes Education program supports people with diabetes, helping them to live well with the knowledge and support they need. The program includes individual appointments as well as group classes – all provided free of charge. 

Thursday, May 21st - With strict physical distancing and safety measures in place, local Member of Parliament Eric Duncan has announced that a modified volunteer income tax clinic will return to the Cornwall area by drop off appointments only. This new approach will safely assist thousands of local residents to complete their income tax for free by volunteers who work to e-file them.

     “There are still many residents who want to complete their income tax returns by the filing deadline. However, it is important to know that the June 1st deadline is not as urgent now that the government has confirmed they will not cut-off key benefits like the Guaranteed Income Supplement, Child Tax Benefit, and GST/HST payments if you haven’t filed by the deadline,” said MP Eric Duncan.

     The usual walk-in service will not return, but rather those interested  in the free service can call Duncan’s constituency office at 1-888-805-2513 to book a scheduled time to drop off their tax slips and paperwork, leaving it with a volunteer at the front door. A volunteer will then complete the e-filed tax return within a couple of weeks and mail all the completed paperwork, along with a summary, back to the client through Canada Post.

     “We are going to be very organized and follow the strict protocols set out by the Eastern Ontario Health Unit,” said Executive Assistant Adrian Bugelli. “By spreading out the appointment  times and handling the cases right at the front door through plexiglass and with masks, we can start to address the major backlog in a safe way.”

     Appointments are being scheduled now for next week, when the revised tax clinic will be operational. It is expected that nearly 4,000 local residents may still be looking for the free service this tax season. For a full breakdown of the program and to print off the drop off form please visit www.ericduncanmp.ca/taxes

 Wednesday, May 27th - To possibly no one’s surprise, the Covid-19 pandemic has brought the good and some of the not so good to the forefront. The good: We’ve witnessed individuals and groups wade into the health battle for the duration; thinkers and scientists seeking long-term solutions; care-givers who have no time clock; and leaders who grasp the reins and guide the team. The not so good: Of course, we’ve too seen the dark side in these times of uncertainty. Scammers are in full operation. Victims, including many on the high side of the age spectrum, have already turned over millions of dollars in spite of numerous warnings. 

      In the midst of the Covid-19 threat and lockdown, we received a request for support. A colorful and light-hearted invitation was mailed to us from the Winchester District Memorial Hospital’s WDMH Foundation, and it was seeking support in the drive to replace the aging X-ray equipment at this community facility. 

     This is no scam!

      We are all aware of how fortunate we are in this area to have access to great health care. We have access to four hospitals within 30 miles, and more than double that number within 60 miles. The benefits these facilities provide our entire area are astounding. Health care is the most obvious. Add jobs, investment in the community, turn-around dollars, growth, schools, support businesses, and through all of these benefits, a healthy tax base. 

     As we read this request for support the technicians at Winchester District Memorial Hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging unit come to mind. These dedicated professionals hardly need additional stress. They would rather be providing the opportunity for the best possibilities and delivery of diagnosis for that very upset little guy in the waiting room with the feverish red cheeks and the pain-filled voice. 

     The X-ray is a must for any health professional to make an informed decision regarding proper procedure and the care needed in hospital emergency rooms. X-rays are key in diagnosing injury, broken bones, arthritis, bowel obstructions, confirming lung conditions like pneumonia and lung cancer, and they are also used in discovering signs of heart failure.

     Winchester Hospital’s X-ray machine is old. It does and will continue to work. It does, however, operate using dated technology. That in turn may impede the process and the ability to produce timely diagnosis, needlessly frustrating staff in their duties to provide the most informed patient needs.

    The 10-year-old X-ray unit has seen better days. More than 10,000 people have been X-rayed in the past three years alone. That calculates to more than 17,000 images per year, 1,416 images per month, close to 50 images every day, or 170,000 images over the units life time. Important numbers.

     The provincial government does not fund hospital equipment. Those monies must be raised locally. And as we know, hospital equipment is expensive. 

     Winchester District Memorial Hospital's commitment to health care means being proactive, which in turn means taking action to replace equipment prior to failure. A new X-ray machine will produce clear, concise, top-quality images while exposing patients to lower doses of radiation. The new unit is more comfortable and more versatile for patient diagnosis, provides a clearer image, in turn helping doctors with a more informed diagnosis. 

     A new X-ray machine is the answer we all need to get behind.

    Our community is known to be generous when important needs arise. This particular need couldn’t be more important. It is lifesaving for all of us. Our children, our parents, our neighbors, all of our loved ones. And every little bit of help is important. Because we’re going to need slightly better than $400,000.

    The combined populations of North and South Dundas is slightly more than 22,000 residents. One twenty dollar bill representing each of our residents would bring the hospital’s needs to the forefront on the scale of excellence in care. 

    Let’s dig in on this one. We do it when the local team needs tournament money. We do it when the large organizations come knocking on the community door with their hand out. And we can do it for this need so much closer to home. 

     Our hospital needs our help. 

     A cheque, made out to the WDMH Foundation, will go a long way to taking care of this community need. We’re hoping everyone is in on this one.

 Tuesday, May 19th - The Ford government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, has extended all emergency orders currently in force until May 29th, 2020. This includes the closure of bars and restaurants except for takeout and delivery only, restrictions on social gatherings of more than five people, and staff redeployment rules for long-term care homes and congregate settings like retirement homes and women's shelters. The government is also allowing drive-in religious gatherings.

     Today, the province officially enters the first stage of its Framework for Reopening the Province. As part of this initial stage, the government is permitting the reopening of some outdoor recreational amenities, including outdoor sports facilities and multi-use fields, off-leash dog areas, and outdoor picnic sites, benches and shelters in parks and recreational areas, effective as of Tuesday, May 19th, 2020.

      Outdoor playgrounds, play structures and equipment, fitness equipment, public swimming pools, splash pads and similar outdoor water facilities will remain closed until later stages of the province's reopening plan.

     “Although we are entering the first stage of our framework to reopen the economy, it’s critical that we continue to do so in a safe and responsible manner,” said Premier Ford. “The people of Ontario have been doing a fantastic job to help flatten the curve and stop the spread of this terrible virus. With warmer weather beginning, individuals and families will now be able to enjoy many outdoor amenities, but everyone must continue to maintain physical distancing from those outside of their household.”

     To ensure that individuals and families have safe access to outdoor spaces, it is critical they take everyday steps to reduce exposure to the virus, such as maintaining physical distancing by staying two metres apart from anyone outside of their household, washing hands regularly, and staying home if feeling unwell.

     “It’s never been more important for people to continue following the public health measures and advice we’ve laid out, so we don’t undo the tremendous progress we’ve made to contain COVID-19,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “While reopening parks and other outdoor spaces is important for our physical and mental health, we’re encouraging people to be responsible by keeping a safe distance of at least two metres from members outside of their household.”

     Extending these orders supports the government's plan to cautiously and safely reopen businesses, services and amenities in a way that will enable the province to continue to protect the health and safety of Ontarians. 

     The Algonorth, was photographed last week approaching the waterfront at Morrisburg. Although she appears comparably bright and shiny new, she is actually approaching her 45th year of service. The ship was initially constructed as a deep sea bulk carrier.

     This bulk carrier was launched September 1st, 1970 as the Temple Bar for Lambert Bros. Shipping Ltd., London, England. Her original dimensions were 160.86m loa x 22.91m beam x 13.08m deep; 22,513 mt capacity. On September 7th, 1976; the Temple Bar was sold to Nipigon Transport Ltd. of Montreal, QC, after which she arrived at Jurong Shipyard Ltd. in Singapore on November 13th, 1976 for lengthening and conversion for Great Lakes service.

     The vessel was originally powered by 2 Ruston 6,000 b.h.p. V-12 cylinder diesel engines. In 1974, the Temple Bar was repowered with 2 - 9 cylinder, 6,000 b.h.p. diesel engines giving the vessel a speed of 16.1 m.p.h. Her current dimensions allow the vessel capable of carrying 26,159 tons at the new Seaway draft of 26' 06".  She is also equipped with a 1,000 h.p.  bow thruster.

     The vessel is currently at port Halifax, CA, and her next destination (scheduled to arrive May 26th,  is Sarnia, CA.

    On April 9th, 1977, the Temple Bar departed Singapore in Canadian registry arriving at Montreal, QC on May 13th, 1977, having sailed to Canada via the Suez Canal. On May 19th, 1977, she sailed on her maiden voyage up the Welland Canal to Port Colborne, ON for a refit, the installation of a hatch crane, deck winches, and the removal of the deep sea strengthening. While locking through the Canal, she was renamed Lake Nipigon.

     On May 24th, 1983; the Lake Nipigon was noted to have grounded off of Port Colborne, ON. After being released the next day with bow and bottom damage, the bulk carrier proceeded to Montreal for repairs. She was chartered to Misener Transportation and renamed Laketon in 1984, and was then returned to Nipigon Transport in December of 1985 and assumed her original name of Lake Nipigon. In April of 1986, Algoma Central Corp. acquired 4 bulk carriers; the Lake Nipigon, Lake Manitoba, Lake Wabush, and the Carol Lake

     Algoma renamed the Lake Nipigon as the Algonorth in 1987 with the carrier entering service following a refit and paint at Port Weller Dry Docks, St. Catharines, ON. The vessel's new name assumes the fleet prefix "Algo" with "north" referring to Algoma's railway route north from Sault Ste. Marie, ON. 

     On November 14th, 1992; while departing Toledo, OH with a load of soybeans, and being assisted by tugs New Hampshire and Oregon, the Algonorth got caught in the swift currents of the Maumee River while attempting to line up with a drawbridge. Her bow struck the drawbridge supports and her stern swung across the channel striking the loading Great Lakes carrier, the Murray Bay (today sailing under the name Algoma Provider). No injuries and no serious damage to either vessel resulted. The Algonorth was freed from her strand the next day with the additional assistance of tugs Louisiana, Wisconsin, and Malcolm. 

     On August 2nd, 1994, the Algonorth was noted to have been in collision with the salty Rixta Oldendorff, in the Canal de Beauharnois section of the St. Lawrence Seaway. There was minor damage to both vessels but no injuries. The Algonorth was upbound in the system at the time, bound for Hamilton, ON with iron ore.

     On July 30th, 1995, the bulk carrier was in collision with the barge Medusa Conquest being pushed by the tug Susan Hannah in Lake St. Clair. Only superficial metal damage to the starboard side of the Algonorth was suffered.

     On December 20th, 1999, the bulker became stuck on the bottom of Sarnia, ON's harbor after loading grain bound for Sorel, QC. She was freed the next day with no resulting damage.

     More recent notable incidents include the discovery on January 29th, 2004,  a 19' 07" (6.0m) crack in her hull while drydocked at Pascol Engineering, Thunder Bay, ON. The cause was attributed to the extremely cold temperatures combined with the usual hull stress of a vessel being in a pumped out condition.

     On February 21st, 2005, a smoldering fire was discovered in a storage cargo of sugar while the Algonorth was in winter lay-up at Redpath Sugar in Toronto, ON. The fire was quickly extinguished by the Toronto Harbour firefighters with the loss of approximately 5 tons of sugar and no vessel damage. 

     On August 19, 2005, a fire on Lake Superior affecting 3 electrical panels caused an engine room blackout forcing the Algonorth to drop anchor to prevent drifting in Lake Superior. The fire was ably contained and extinguished by the crew with no resulting injuries. Gravel and Lake Services tug Robert John from Thunder Bay took the bulker in tow back to Thunder Bay, ON for repairs. The Algonorth had departed Hamilton, ON on August 16 and was in transit to Thunder Bay when the fire took place.

     January 2000 saw the Algonorth sail under the new management of Seaway Marine Transport, St. Catharines, ON, a continued partnership of Algoma Central and Upper Lakes Group combining the bulker fleet of Seaway Bulk Transport with the self unloader fleet of Seaway Self Unloaders providing for the more effective and profitable utilization of the combined fleets. Cargoes for the Algonorth continue to be focused primarily on the iron ore trade from Gulf of St. Lawrence ports to lower Great Lakes ports, and grain products from upper Great Lakes ports back to elevators along the St. Lawrence River.

     On May 10th, 2006, the Algonorth laid up at Pier 10 in Hamilton, ON, to assess mechanical problems. With a seized starboard engine crankshaft, parts availability range from 4 to 8 months. Operating on one engine, the Algonorth departed Hamilton on June 13th, 2006 bound for Thunder Bay to resume her season.

          -  with files gathered from https://www.vesselfinder.com;  http://www.boatnerd.com;  https://www.marinetraffic.com;   

                                                          https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murray_Bay

Ever wonder what Morrisburg's, pre-St. Lawrence Seaway, Main Street really looked like?  Or the appearance of many of the villages nestled along the north bank of the St. Lawrence River in the early 1950's. This is how we remember it, and it is too our recollection that we know who owned that military-green Ford sedan parked next to the hydro pole. We walked the sidewalks many times through this stretch, on the way from Augusta Street to Lock Street, and we knew most of the store owners/business operators of the day. Where the nickel pop machines were, or where you might pilfer a hand out for an errand accomplished.       - See more here . . .