BACK TO SCHOOL WINNER – Alison Miller, a student from Dr. Wilbert Keon School in L’Isle-aux-Allumettes, was the lucky winner of a Roots backpack and school supplies through a contest in the Pontiac Journal. Students were asked to circle common school bus safety mistakes on a special page in the paper and then submit it for their chance to win. The backpack and supplies were
provided by Stedman’s V&S in Shawville. (AB)


WHERE THE ALLIGATOR ROAMS –“We need to build an alligator,” said steam enthusiast Dr. Bill Burwell of Arnprior who did just that over the course of a few years, relying on photos, old plans and his team's ideas for design and operation. It was full steam ahead for the replica alligator tugboat, Alice May, at Haughton's Bay in Bristol, September 30.
     Alligators, also known as steam-powered amphibious warping tugs, were used to haul log booms across lakes and haul themselves over land when necessary. Invented in 1889 by West and Peachey of Simcoe, Ontario, business boomed and steam alligators roamed the rivers and lakes for more than fifty years. Eventually, they began being replaced by diesel-fueled boats and other methods of log transport.  A refurbished West and Peachey alligator made a recent appearance on the Ottawa River in 2015.
     The Alice May, named after the boat featured in the famous poem ‘The Cremation of Sam McGee‘, will be "hibernating" at Haughton's Bay for the winter.


SPAGHETTI FOR THE SNOWSUIT FUND – Over 100 hungry spaghetti lovers helped raise money for the snowsuit fund at the second annual Harvest Supper at the Quyon Family Center, September 30. “What a great turn out. I’m so proud of
the Dream Team for running such a smooth operation,” said Catherine Beaudet, Center director. The Dream Team consists of 20 board members and volunteers who organize the supper and gather food donations and items for the door prizes, silent auction, and raffle. Photo: Alyshia-Hannah and Drake Lasale enjoying their spaghetti supper.

Sphinx conducts site visits during annual general meeting

Submitted by editor on Sat, 09/23/2017 - 12:41pm
Added: Sat, 09/23/2017 - 12:41pm

François Carrier
(Tr. Ab)

ÎLE-DU-GRAND-CALUMET – The shareholders of the mining exploration company Ressource Sphinx met for their annual general meeting at the municipal hall, September 5. More than thirty people attended, ranging from shareholders, to local politicians and regular residents. read more »

Public Security flood damage reports slowly trickling in - Families unable to rebuild

Submitted by editor on Sat, 09/23/2017 - 12:41pm
Added: Sat, 09/23/2017 - 12:41pm

Allyson Beauregard

MRC PONTIAC & PONTIAC – Almost five months after the severe spring floods began, homeowners are just starting to receive reports from the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) that evaluate the damages to their homes; these numbers determine if they can rebuild in their current location. read more »