CJRO News June 26 to July 2, 2023

Hello, bonjour, and welcome to CJRO News on CJRO Radio. I’m Candice Vetter, reporting from Embrun.

CJRO Radio is now available at 107.9 FM in Casselman. Thanks to Cassel Brewery for hosting the transmitter and to Casselman Town Council. We ask residents to let us know about news we should be covering, whether in French or English.

More smoke is in the air again after a weekend of smoky skies. It may clear depending on weather in the next few days. See current smoke conditions and a two-day forecast at firesmoke.ca. The City of Ottawa has put its fire ban on again, which includes fireworks. We have some dramatic smoke photos on our website.

Parliament Hill June 25th, Denis Labreche photo

North Russell, Candice Vetter photo

In a related matter, concerned Eastern Ontario residents are gathering at MP Michael Barrett's office in Kemptville this Wednesday, June 28th at 10 a.m. to protest the federal government's inaction on climate change. The call to action says, “Forest fires rage and we need to get louder.” Barrett is the Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes and the Official Opposition’s Shadow Minister for Ethics. His office is at 29 Clothier Street, Kemptville. Bring a face mask.

Bell Media, which owns CTV Ottawa, wants permission to stop producing a newscast from the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission. Bell said newscasts cost money and it wants to drop the News from ALL of its TV stations. Bell Media reported over $10 billion in profits last year.

Meanwhile Meta, Facebook’s parent company, released a statement last Thursday, June 22nd saying, “We have repeatedly shared that in order to comply with Bill C-18, passed today in Parliament, content from news outlets, including news publishers and broadcasters, will no longer be available to people accessing our platforms in Canada.” The company said it is conducting several weeks of product tests to “end news availability in Canada.” Last year Meta wrangled with the government of Australia eventually gaining an amendment for negotiation with media outlets. Good thing you can get news that matters here.

Russell Township invites the community to an information session on the recreation complex this Wednesday June 28th, between 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Township Hall at 717 Notre-Dame Street, Embrun. My conversation about rec centre costs, with Charles Armstrong, retired Canadian Forces member and past candidate for Council, is available on Local First.

Russell’s Centennial Pool opens this Thursday, June 29th, for the summer. Swim times are available at Russell.ca.

Also in Russell Township hobby, amateur, and professional photographers are invited to submit their images for the 2023 Township of Russell Photo Expo. This year’s theme is “Stillness.”

Submit photos before Monday, August 21st. See details at www.russell.ca/photoexpo23.

If you have News you want included on this weekly report, please email newscjro@gmail.com by Monday mornings.

We have additional content and Local First podcasts at CJROradio.com. Hear us at 107.7 or 107.9, follow us on Facebook, listen to our podcasts on cjroradio.com or on the Tune-In and Radio Player Canada apps. I’m Candice Vetter for CJRO News. CJRO, last on the dial, first for local news.

Stay tuned now for the CJRO Events Roundup.

CJRO Events Roundup

This Thursday’s Live Music In The Park Series features Rock Steady Duo from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (weather permitting) in the gazebo at Victoria Park in Metcalfe.

In the village of Russell Canada Day festivities start this Friday, June 30th, with a beer garden and live music. On Saturday, July 1st, there will be a volleyball tournament, kids’ games, a firehose water sprinkler, beer garden and more music, followed by fireworks, hopefully at the Russell Fairgrounds on Concession Street. 2nd Russell Scouting will also host a barbecue from noon to 4 p.m. On Sunday, July 2nd Yiriba Percussions group workshops start for kids seven to twelve years old. Learn about djembé and African culture. Book in advance and see more information on the group’s Facebook page.

There are still vendors’ spots available at Meet Me on Main Street in the village of Russell on July 13th. To register as a vendor contact ecodev@russell.ca.

The Wendover Country Music Festival starts Thursday, July 13th and runs until Sunday, July 16th featuring over 20 musical acts. For information and tickets email info@festivalwesternwendover.ca.

To get your event listed send it three weeks before to newscjro@gmail.com or bill@cjronews.ca.