Hub Staff
At Saugeen Shores Hub we strive to bring you the news you want and the stories you need to keep up to date on what's happening in your community but none of it would be possible without you, our readers and advertisers.
Thank you, once again, for a memorable 2018 and we look forward to the year ahead.
Here are our Top 10 stories of 2018.
10. On April 21 we brought you our coverage of the second Battle of the Blades (BOTB) fundraising event in Saugeen Shores. In support of Caitlyn Cobean's Community Crusaders and organized by the Saugeen Shores Skating Club, the 2018 edition of BOTB saw 18 teams hit the ice at the Plex in Port Elgin and execute crowd-pleasing choreography to a capacity crowd.
Battle of the Blades once again a show stopper
9. In September we brought you the story of some significant changes to Port Elgin's downtown. The former Lido Gardens, a long standing and iconic Chinese restaurant on Goderich Street had been purchased by Jeff Carver and Roger Crane and was being renovated to feature commercial units on the lower level and loft-style residential units upstairs.
Former Lido Gardens getting a major facelift
8. Readers were sad to learn that GC Huston Public School would lose their principal of eight years after the 2017-18 school year, landing the story in our #8 spot. Dan Russell had made great strides during his tenure at the Southampton school and was well loved by staff, students and families alike.
Dan Russell to say farewell to the Home of the Hawks
7. On January 8 the Town of Saugeen Shores asked for patience after some wintery weather had led to treacherous conditions on community roadways. While officials reported that 18 crew members were clearing 460 kilometres of roads they advised residents they were aware of the conditions and requested they refrain from calling the office.
Town asks for patience and no more calls as they work to clear the roads
6. On May 24 we brought you the story of a new hotel coming to the south end of Port Elgin. Owners of Super 8, Jennifer and Tom Evans, along with Andy and Leny Kuperus of EK Hospitality, and in partnership with Masterbuilt Hotels were to develop the property and operate Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham south of the current Super 8 location.
Microtel Inn & Suites to break ground in Port Elgin
5. Landing in the #5 spot in our Top 10 stories of 2018 was the announcement that Saugeen Shores would hold its inaugural Pride event in support of the LGBTQ2 community. The motion had been brought to council in February by then Deputy Mayor Luke Charbonneau and Councillor Cheryl Grace and a flag raising and Pride celebration was held in June.
Saugeen Shores to show its pride
4. For the third year in a row, this unofficial yet long standing May 2-4 tradition once again landed in our Top 10 stories of the year. No one knows for sure how long the River Run has taken place in Saugeen Shores but 2018 was no exception and saw friends and family take to the Saugeen River in dozens of makeshift rafts, inflatables, canoes, and kayaks.
Long standing Saugeen Shores May 2-4 tradition continues
3. On Tuesday morning, June 5 we received reports that 911 dispatch had gotten a call indicating that a bomb was in a vehicle in the parking lot of GC Huston on Victoria Street. The Southampton public school as well as the adjacent Bruce County Museum and neighbouring homes had been evacuated. A lengthy investigation ensued, no bombs were found, and officials were finally able to give the all-clear at around 9 p.m. that evening.
Reported bomb threat at Southampton school
2. Featured in the #2 spot of our Top 10 stories of 2018 is The Station. From council updates to crumbling archways, and finally the closure announcement, readers followed closely the story of the 1836 replica steam engine, confectionary and mini putt.
Station owners announce closure
1. Our number 1 story of 2018 was that of Southampton's Nolan Panchyshyn. Nolan was first reported missing in December, 2017 and a months long search eventually took police to the village of Dornoch where his body was found. Two Chatsworth Township men face multiple charges, including murder, in connection with his death.