The Valley Gazette

10/31/2025

Trick or Treat. If you're looking for some where to bring the kidos tonight be sure to drop by Combermere and Killaloe. see posters below

10/29/2025

Armchair Athlete's Hockey Pool a win for local healthcare

BARRY'S BAY –The Armchair Athlete Hockey Pool 2025/26 has returned to the pages of The Valley Gazette newspaper for the 12th year. As a result, an incredible $2,120 was raised for the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation. Over the past 12 years, it has raised an amazing $22,990 for local healthcare needs. Thank you to Dan, the Valley Gazette, and to everyone who entered! Pictured, left to right: SFVHF Communications and Fundraising Officer Christine Hudder, "Armchair Athlete" columnist Dan Conway, and SFVHF Executive Director Erin Gienow.

10/27/2025

Did you know the Gazette has an e-edition?

We do! Try it for 3 months for $15. Full access to web stories and digital editions.

10/24/2025

Spooky children and a whole lot of fun happens at this annual event tomorrow! Thank you to the Library and local small town businesses for making this happen.

10/21/2025

Jeff Hoffman works his magic....The Blue Jays are headed to the World Series

photo credit FOX

10/18/2025

Wilno wlidfire - Final update:

KHRFD is reporting that the Wilno fire on the KHR side of the boundary is extinguished. MVFD reported the fire on the MV side as extinguished Friday afternoon.

Excellent work by MVFD, KHRFD, BLRFD, and MNR air & ground crews.

Huge shoutout to our incredible team for their tireless work over the past four days! We're thrilled to announce that the fire on our side of the boundary is officially out, and we're packing up. It's been a challenging battle now let’s hope for some more rain!

10/16/2025

Quick note re: mail subscriptions.

The post office allowed us to drop papers yesterday. Papers were sent to the post office for anyone with a subscription. We'll continue to send papers through the mail as long as Canada Post contiues working.

Thanks

10/16/2025

Wilno Wildfire - Opeongo Rd. & Wilno South Rd.

UPDATE: 2:15 p.m. Oct. 17 - MNR has informed the Gazette that the fire is still classified as "Not under control." Two crews of provincial fire rangers are working with local crews, including now BLRFD.

MNR states, "a perimeter has been established aroudn the fire area," and crews are drawing water from, "approximately 500 metres away."

"Crews are working hard to take advantage of the small amount of rain and cool temperatures," combined with the small amount of rain overnight.

UPDATE: 4:30 p.m. MNR continues to show the status of the fire as "Not under control." Water bombers are back on scene to aid ground crews from MV, KHR and MNR. Please stay off Kamaniskeg Lake while water bombers are operating.

MVFD state the fire is 85% extinguished and anticipate having it brought under control later today.

MNR has updated the fire area to 43 hectares (106 acres).

UPDATE: Oct. 16 11:35 a.m. - MNR has informed the Gazette that ground crews continue to work the fire, are setting up hoselines and a perimeter, "while actively supressing the fire as they work"

The department reports that aerial suppression, "was effective in lowering the fire behaviour and intensity."

MNR fire rangers are working with municipal fire departments and were aided by cooler temperatures and overnight frost.

The fire is still estimated at ~40 hectares (99 acres) and MNR noted the status as "not under control."

UPDATE Oct. 16 9:20 a.m. - MVFD is reporting that the fire is "contained." Contrary to what has been posted in other Facebook groups, the fire is *not* out. The department reports the fire is deep in the bush and presents no danger to the public. The public are still asked to stay away from the area so as not to impede fire crews moving water to the site from surrounding lakes.

Photo by Michel Lavigne: MNR water bombers picking up water on Kamaniskeg Lake in Barry's Bay.

10/15/2025

UPDATE Oct. 16 6:55 a.m. - KHRFD told the Gazette they were meeting at 7 a.m. to develop their plan for the day. "It'll be another full day in the bush," he wrote.

UPDATE: MNR has told us a spotter plane & 2 helicopters have been working the fire in addition to the 2 water bombers.

Huge Bush fire off Opeongo Road near Hopefield Road is currently being handled by the MNR along with many Fire Departments. They currently have 2 waterbombers picking up water in Barry's Bay. Please stay off the lake.

MNR has the size of the fire at 40 hectares or 99 acres and the status is 'Not under control.' This is a significant fire. Stay clear of the area of Opeongo Road and Wilno South Road where fire crews are.

10/11/2025

Wishing everyone a beautiful and safe Thanksgiving with family and friends.