In neighbouring McNab-Braeside, there are currently three contenders for the role of Mayor, Lori Hoddinott, Oliver Jacob and Lou Laventure.

For Deputy Mayor, there’s a race between Scott Brum and former Mayor Tom Peckett.

Three individuals are contesting for Council: Rob Tremblay, Aldene Styles and Darrell Carson.

Folks still have plenty of time. Nominations close August 21st at 2PM, and most contenders wait until Labour Day to launch their drives.

By Rick Stow

The board has informed Canadian Union of Public Employees locals representing custodial, trades, office, clerical and information technology staff that it intends to eliminate approximately 11 full-time equivalent positions.

CUPE Local 1247, which represents custodians and trades workers, and CUPE Local 1321, which represents office, clerical and IT staff, say the reductions come at a time when schools are already facing staffing shortages and increasing student needs.

“These cuts will seriously undermine the learning and working conditions in our schools,” Ashley Farrell, president of CUPE Local 1247, said in a statement.

Farrell said custodial and trades staff are already struggling to maintain school facilities and services with current staffing levels.

Kathy Prescott, president of CUPE Local 1321, said office, clerical and IT employees are facing growing workloads and that the planned reductions would affect support services across the school system.

“Instead of addressing those concerns, the board is moving ahead with layoffs that will directly affect the support students and school communities rely on every day,” Prescott said.

The Ontario School Board Council of Unions, which represents education workers across the province, said the planned job cuts reflect broader funding challenges facing Ontario’s education system.

Joe Tigani, president of the OSBCU, said education workers are being affected by what the organization describes as years of underfunding in the sector.

“These are the people who support students with special needs, maintain safe schools and ensure schools function every day,” Tigani said.

The unions are calling on the provincial government to increase education funding and are urging the Renfrew County District School Board to reconsider the staffing reductions.

The school board did not immediately respond to the unions’ statements.

We also contacted the board and received the following statement:

“Over the past three budget cycles, the RCDSB has made reductions across several areas to maintain a balanced budget. We value all staff and positions and these decisions are challenging. Due to declining enrolment, the RCDSB needed to realign staffing levels with current and projected enrolment. The Board also strives to ensure that spending aligns with funding for the various staffing envelopes. The RCDSB continues to prioritize student achievement and well-being. Specifically, Special Education and Mental Health services for students are being prioritized for this budget cycle. RCDSB is committed to fiscal responsibility and responsible stewardship of resources.”

We also contacted the Ministry of Education and did not receive a response in time for publication.

The planned cuts are expected to affect custodial, secretarial and other support staff positions across the board.

(Steve Berard)

A release from the Town stresses that Saturday’s forecast forced the difficult decision to reschedule Priorpalooza to Sunday, June 7th.

The Town of Arnprior cites safety concerns for attendees, performers, vendors and staff.

The change of date will give residents the opportunity to first vist the Sunday Market at 9AM, then head over to McLean Park when Priorpalooza opens at 11AM.

With this date change, the scheduled Concert in the Park performer, Taming Vegas, will move to Priorpalooza and send off the event at 5:30 pm.

Unfortunately, because of this change, Paddlefest, also scheduled for Saturday, will NOT be taking place on Sunday.

Arnprior thanks the performers, vendors, service providers and staff involved for their flexibility.

By Rick Stow

It was at the session that she introduced the augmentation of the Town’s Community Grants Policy to broaden the umbrella to groups previously ineligible.

McGee brought a five thousand dollar “Community Support Fund” initiative for the consideration of elected representatives.

Citing a number of occasions where the municipality had to say a reluctant, “No”, (for example, The Men’s Shed request for sustainable support), the Mayor explained how her idea would work.

The Mayor’s proposal was try the idea out of the balance of the term.

If the proposal received would help in the branding or marketing of the Town Where the Rivers Meet, that’s criteria enough.

A small working group could rubber-stamp ideas up to 500 dollars, and eveerything over that amount would e presented to full Council for approval.

While her Strong Mayor Power only require three affirmative votes, elected represenatives were unanimous in endorsing the Mayor’s idea.

By Rick Stow

We’ve compiled the list of gas prices on Friday, June 5, as of 8:30 a.m., according to gasbuddy.com.

ARNPRIOR  

Shell and Circle K, Daniel Street $1.66.9

Ultramar and On the Run, Madawaska Boulevard $1.66.9

Stinson, Vanjumar Road $1.66.9

MacEwen, Madawaska Boulevard $1.66.9

Mr. Gas, Daniel Street $1.66.9

Canadian Tire & Petro-Canada, Daniel Street $1.66.9

Ultramar, White Lake Road $1.67.6

Stinson, Madawaska Boulevard $1.76.9

RENFREW  

MacEwen, Raglan Street South, $1.62.6

Esso, Raglan Street South, $1.62.6

Mobil, O’Brien Road, $1.62.9

Shell and Circle K, Raglan Street South, $1.63.6

Canadian Tire & Petro-Canada, $1.63.6

Petro-Canada, Stewart Street, $1.63.7

PEMBROKE  

Canadian Tire, Pembroke Street East $1.65.9

Stinson, Mackay Street $1.65.9

Irving, Paul Martin Drive $1.65.9

Petro-Canada, Pembroke Street East $1.65.9

Perkins, Pembroke Street West $1.65.9

Ultramar and On the Run, Pembroke Street West $1.79.9

Mobil, Pembroke Street West N/A

MacEwen, Highway 41 N/A

PETAWAWA 

Esso and Circle K, Petawawa Boulevard $1.79.9

Shell and Circle K, Petawawa Boulevard N/A

Prices are subject to change. For up-to-date information, check gasbuddy.com . 

(Kasey Egan) 

Arnprior:

Today: English Lessons for beginners In-Person happens from 10AM-Noon in the Gaumand Room of the Arnprior Public Library. Newcomers are welcome to attend this free drop-in ESL program led by qualified volunteer tutors. The Friday meet-ups are geared toward beginner learners. Meet new people, enjoy a coffee and improve your English skills.

A Bridge Club drop in welcomes players from beginners to experienced Fridays from 1230-330PM in the Main Community Hall of the Arnprior Public Library. There is no fee or registration to attend, however donations will be accepted in support of the High School’s Guidance Office and their Teens in Need program.

Tomorrow: Eight participating Arnprior Churches are taking part in The Big Give from 9AM-2PM with staggered start times and different fare offered by each congregation. The Big Give Arnprior maps will be available at 9AM at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian and Emmanuel Anglican, or online at The Big Give.ca.

Take Note: The Arnprior and District Museum invites you to the Fibre Arts Drop In, to occur on Sunday June 14th at 2PM as local Spinner and Weaver Jenny Croft will lead a free, family-friendly public fibre arts drop in. Find out about the Museum’s new loom and spinning equipment that are available for public use.

Mississippi Mills:

Today: Viewing continues in the Friends of the Mississippi Mills Public Library’s online auction until June 7th. The auction itself will be held from June 8th-19th.
Access: www.32auctions.com/TheBestofMM

Riversong Players present Godspell from 7-9PM at the Almonte Old Town Hall, 14 Bridge Street (also Saturday and Sunday). If you’re looking for a night of music, connection, laughter, and a little bit of magic, this story is for you. Tickets are on sale at TicketsPlease.ca — seating is limited!

Tomorrow: Viewing continues in the Friends of the Mississippi Mills Public Library’s online auction until June 7th. The auction itself will be held from June 8th-19th. Access: www.32auctions.com/TheBestofMM

Riversong Players present Godspell. Two Saturday shows, from 1-3 and from 7-9PM at the Almonte Old Town Hall, 14 Bridge Street (also two shows Sunday at the same times). If you’re looking for a night of music, connection, laughter, and a little bit of magic, this story is for you. Tickets are on sale at TicketsPlease.ca – seating is limited!

The Pakenham Community Family Potluck takes place from 4-7PM at the Stewart Community Centre on MacFarlane Street in Pakenham.

Carleton Place:

Today: Trivia and Wings Night, hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Carleton Place & Mississippi Mills is happening at the Carleton Place Legion. Doors Open: 6:00PM. Cost is $15 per person to participate in the Trivia and an additional $18 for the Wings Meal, with Cash Bar Available. Pay at the venue.

Live Music at St. James Gate happens at 111 Bridge Street from 7-10PM featuring Wild Nashville.

Tomorrow: The Zion Memorial Church Yard Sale occurs from 8AM-1PM at the Church, at 37 Franklin Street. There is also a BBQ associated with the event.

The Carleton Place Farmers Market happens every Saturday until October 10th, from 830AM-1230PM at Market Square, 7 Beckwith Street. Enjoy Fresh produce, baked goods, handmade treasures — rain or shine.

Mighty Machines are on display from 9AM-3PM at 3 Francis Street. It’s a Community Fundraiser in support of Carleton Place Childcare Services. The entry fee is a minimum donation of $2 per family and a BBQ and Bake Sale are associated.

The annual Big Give sees participation from St. James Anglican Church at 225 Edmund Street from 930-1130AM. The congregation will be offering hot dogs, tasty treats and drinks available along with musical offerings, crafts, games and a car boot sale. Everything is FREE!

Local Author Steph Mulley visits the Carleton Place Public Library 101 Beckwith Street, from 11AM-1230PM to share her debut picture book “It’s Scratchy, It’s Catchy, and I Don’t Like It”. It’s a family event with activities, refreshments and Mulley will offer copies of her book afterward for $16 each.

A Euchre Tournament happens from Noon-4PM at the Carleton Place Legion 177 George Street. Admission is $20 per person, Lunch is included Lunch at 12PM, Play begins at 1PM. No pre-registration is required, just show up, pay and play.

Local Sports:

Renfrew Minor Baseball has posted its Spring Schedule, and shares game information for members at
https://renfrewminorbaseball.com/Pages/1120/General_Information/

Arnprior McNab Braeside United Soccer Schedule is available to members on its website at
https://ambusc.e2esoccer.com/Membership/Default.aspx

Have an event you’d like to hear aired on Oldies? Visit:
https://arnpriortoday.ca/submit-an-event/

By Rick Stow

Town of Arnprior Recreation has changed the date for Priorpalooza to Sunday, June 7th due to the adverse weather forecast for Saturday.

The event, at McLean Park, is sponsored by Ontario Power Generation, and performances begin at 11AM.

By Rick Stow

County staff are alerting residents as the Ministry of Natural Resources has placed the region under an extreme forest fire danger rating, with the risk of a fire spreading high due to current conditions.

Several local municipalities have already implemented fire bans or restrictions, and the county is urging residents to check with local officials through their websites, social media, or directly before lighting any fires.

The Ministry of Natural Resources also provides up-to-date forecasts for forest fire risks and monitors active fires through their interactive forest fire map.

(written by Kasey Egan)

That’s what Arnprior Recreation thinks, and Staff is excited to announce that the Town’s new “Girls in Sport Program” launches July 2nd.

The initiative is funded by Canadian Tire Jumpstart.

The girls-only, multi-sport program offers a safe, inclusive space where female athletes can thrive.

Those who take part get to try a new sport each week including basketball, yoga, martial arts, rugby, dance, and a field trip to a Rapids FC Soccer Game.

Girls in Sport will be guided by passionate coaches who make it fun, build confidence, and encourage friendships while developing skills.

Girls in Sport’s motto is, “Every girl belongs here!”

The program is open to ages 4-13,  and is Free to Youth Club members.

Girls in Sport is also accepting volunteer coaches for ages 14+ as part of the LeadHERship program.

Learn more and register at Arnprior.ca/YouthClub

By Rick Stow