A participant prepares to release one of turtles into the Maitland River. Photo by Marty Thompson.A participant prepares to release one of turtles into the Maitland River. Photo by Marty Thompson.
Midwestern

Cycling Crash Victim Honoured Through Turtle Release

A ceremonial turtle release took place in Wingham Wednesday in honour of a cyclist who sustained serious injuries after being hit by a car three weeks ago.

Around 130 turtles were released into the Maitland River as part of a fundraiser for Julie Sawchuk - a cyclist who was struck by a car on Blyth Road on July 29.

https://twitter.com/martythompson_/status/634038284184719360

The turtles were released in conjunction with the Huron Stewardship Council and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority.

The high school teacher is in London hospital being treated for a broken back and broken ribs.

“Last year she spotted a spotted a snapping turtle that had been hit by a vehicle,” Selena Hazlett, Julie’s friend, told CKNX News while the turtles were being released, “ She knew through her science connections to contact the Huron Stewardship Council. They had to put the turtle down, but they were able to save eggs from it. I believe this past spring is when her and her class brought the turtles down and released them.”

Over $18,000 has been raised for Sawchuk’s recovery through this crowd-sourcing page.

Sawchuk's blog can be found here.

A 47-year-old Dungannon man has been charged with failing to turn left to avoid a collision with a bicycle in connection to the case.

Read More Local Stories

(Photo by Justin Smith / Wikimedia Commons)

Scoreboard, June 17

The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers 120-109 in Game 5 on Monday to take a 3-2 series lead in the NBA Finals.

Children reading

Summer fun awaits at the Library in Owen Sound

The Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library is gearing up for a season of stories, games, and hands-on activities with the return of the TD Summer Reading Club and an exciting lineup of free programs for children and families.