The Madawaska Valley Current

Pat Dombroskie of Killaloe was visiting his mom at the Valley Manor this past week when he decided to purchase a Catch the Ace ticket. It was the second time ever that he decided to get in on the action. This time he chose envelope number 20 which revealed the Seven of Clubs.

Environment Canada issued a frost alert recently which reminds us that once Thanksgiving has come and gone, it will soon be snowbird time. Given that a significant proportion of Elbows Up Canadians are avoiding the US for their winter sunshine, it’s worth looking at government advisories about other potential destinations. On Thursday, Canada issued an updated safety and security section to its travel advisory for Mexico specifically warning those who use online dating apps.

Editor’s Note: Candidate for Madawaska Valley Council, David Shulist, replied to The Current today with apologies for having missed our deadline saying that he has been very busy. Below is the statement he provided: I am a Madawaska Valley man with deep roots here, and I sincerely care about this wonderful township and the people who call it home. My commitment to our community has always been about giving back and helping wherever I can.

Editorial As regular readers of The Current will know, our lawsuit against Madawaska Valley Township and members of its 2018-22 Council concluded earlier this year. The municipal insurer, Intact Public Entities (IPE), footed the entire bill for our successful claim through paying the defendants’ legal costs and our compensation, as well as some of our costs for defending ourselves. All in, the total payout we have calculated to be in the region of three-quarters of a million dollars.

Voters in Madawaska Valley have reason to be grateful for their Public Library and their local Legion. As in many previous election campaigns, Madawaska Valley Public Library and the Royal Canadian Legion Barry’s Bay Branch 406 have combined forces to host an All Candidates Meeting. The event allows voters to hear candidates’ platforms on key issues. It will take place at Barry’s Bay Legion, 250 John Street, on Tuesday, 6th October 2026 at 7pm.

Editor’s Note: Alia Bayat, candidate for Councillor in Madawaska Valley Township, replied to The Current with the following items from his platform. He subsequently submitted some additions, which are reflected below. Get BIG government out of small town politics Small rural areas like the Madawaska Valley are ideal for establishing government policies that help assist taxpayers and small business owners alike.

Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care offers two grief retreats for widowed adults this October, and spaces are filling up says Jenna Stamplicoski, Bereavement Services and Volunteer Coordinator at MVHPC. The Men’s Day Retreat for Widowed Men will take place on October 15, followed by a Widowed Women Grief Retreat from October 16 to 18, both at Stevenson’s Lodge in Combermere, Ontario. These retreats are open to anyone in Ontario.

Cheryl Gallant, Member of Parliament for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, has written to the Minister of Industry urging the federal government to ensure that a dedicated portion of funding under the Regional Tariff Response Initiative is directed to small businesses with annual revenues of less than $1 million through Canada’s network of Community Futures Development Agencies.

The Week 19 winner was Sharon Greer of Barry’s Bay. Sharon works at Lorraine’s Pharmacy, but purchased her lucky ticket at the Barry’s Bay Shell. She chose envelope number 18 because that’s her granddaughter’s birthday. The Eight – not the Ace! – of Spades was hiding behind that envelope! Although Sharon didn’t find the Ace of Spades, she’s still going home with an awesome weekly prize of $1,242. She plans on using the money on an upcoming holiday she has planned.

Editor’s Note: Shelley Maika, candidate for Councillor in Madawaska Valley, responded to The Current’s request with the following statement: Why am I running for Council? Madawaska Valley is my home as it was to generations before me. I care deeply about my home and the people in it. As someone who grew up in Combermere, lived in the city for over a decade and now resides in Barry’s Bay I have respect for all the geographical areas of the township, and pride in our rich history and heritage.