Hospital auxiliary gift shop crocheted goods benefit local healthcare

Submitted Colleen Lapello of Palmer Rapids is crocheting in support of local healthcare. Throughout 2026, she will be donating 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of her blue and white crocheted angels toward the purchase of medical equipment at St. Francis Memorial Hospital. In addition to the angels, …

Local healthcare empowered by grant from OPG

Submitted The St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation (SFVHF) recently received a generous Empowerment grant of $7,500 from Ontario Power Generation. Funds will go toward the purchase of essential medical equipment at St. Francis Memorial Hospital (SFMH), including patient beds, an IV pump, and more. Above from left: SFVHF Executive Director Erin Gienow, …

MV Council selects Linda Neuman to fill vacant seat

At the Madawaska Valley Council in Committee meeting on Tuesday, Feb.3rd 2026, Mayor David Shulist and Councillors Blank, Cybulski and Maika voted unanimously to appoint Linda Neuman (Plebon) to fill the vacancy created by the sudden passing of Councillor Peplinski. Above: Linda Neuman (Photo LinkedIn). This followed Council’s decision to …

New skills from your Public Library

The Madawaska Valley Public Library offers you life-enriching resources and opportunities. Library patrons regularly take advantage of on-going activities every month such as Storytime for little ones every Wednesday morning, Chess Club (for beginners to expert), two adult Book Clubs, Lego Club to challenge your household’s creators, the Friday Walking …

King’s Landing – affordable housing in the Valley

Anhart, a Canadian non-profit housing developer, is bringing affordable townhomes to Barry’s Bay. The King’s Landing project addresses the growing housing affordability crisis in Renfrew County and the Ottawa Valley, offering entry-level homeownership for first-time buyers and families priced out of the market. Above: Artist’s rendering of the Barry’s Bay …

Tree of Lights campaign raises over $155,000

The ability to receive healthcare close to home plays a critical role in patient recovery, offering comfort through familiar surroundings, trusted caregivers, and the support of loved ones. That message resonated strongly with the community during the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation’s (SFVHF) 2025 Tree of Lights Campaign, which raised …

Police tips to keep you safe

Instead of reproducing the latest entries from police blotters, in this article The Current brings you a selection of timely warnings from local OPP Detachments designed to keep you safe from criminal activity. FREE sessions to help you stay ahead of Fraud Crime The Renfrew Detachment of the Ontario Provincial …

Health Unit issues overdose alert for Renfrew County and District

Renfrew County and District Drug Strategy partners are alerting residents about an increase in overdoses and suspected overdose-related deaths in the Renfrew and Arnprior areas. Although specific substance(s) related to the overdoses have not been confirmed, it is important to remember that all street drugs must be considered highly toxic …

Legion grant funds patient bed purchase at SFMH

Submitted by St.Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation A new patient bed has been purchased for St. Francis Memorial Hospital (SFMH) thanks to an $8,000 grant from the Ontario Provincial Command Branches and Ladies’ Auxiliaries Charitable Foundation. The St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation (SFVHF) applied for the grant, which will support the …

Back to Top