Man or boy held for threats in letter to Connaught school

Police are holding a man or boy (they have not specified which) in the case of the threatening letter written to Duke of Connaught Junior and Senior Public School on Woodfield Rd. The nature of the threat was not revealed. Duke of Connaught School locked down after threat

Puerto Rico gridlock, Hefner legacy and Whither Keesmaat?






The storm-aftermath crisis in Puerto Rico is finally hitting the world media. The slowness of news may well have been caused by the collapse of power and communications system. This excellent CNN report describes tons of supplies sitting on the docks in a land paralyzed by disaster. Then, Hugh Hefner and what he did to the way we think and act about sex. Beneath that, City News gets Jennifer Keesmaat on the record. She seems quite clear that she is not running for mayor. Queen’s Park anyone? And finally, someone has complained to City Hall about one man’s little front-lawn library. It seems about the same as dozens of others populating neighborhoods here. Go figure.

Sewer work shuts Esandar at Laird for second day Thursday

Two days of sewer replacement at the intersection of Laird Drive and Esandar Drive has left no way to enter Leaside Centre (Longo’s) from the north except by the little known “back door” detour down Industrial St. Esandar is closed at Laird. Traffic northbound may still enter at the turn into Leaside Village at the CIBC. It’s not clear just how long this work will take but men were filling a trench on Laird with concrete during rush hour Thursday. Maybe a good sign.

Truck fire snarls Gardiner rush hour east at Parliament

Judge rejects Crown expert witness against McGuinty aides

A judge in the trial of two top advisers to former Ontario premier Dalton McGuinty has ruled a key prosecution witness won’t be allowed to deliver opinion evidence in court because he’s not independent. CBC

Prince Harry thrills WE Day event with surprise visit at ACC

Prince Harry has made a surprise visit to WE DAY events at the Air Canada Centre. Harry urged young people to work together and help one another in order to build a brighter future. “We are stronger when we work together,” he said. Rick Hansen, Canada’s Man in Motion, introduced the prince to a raucous reception, after touting the Invictus Games.

Duke of Connaught School locked down after threat

Duke of Connaught Junior and Senior Public School on Woodfield Rd. was locked down Thursday after unspecified threats were made. In the end, police have searched the school and found nothing. No one was hurt. Because of this disruption Terry Fox events have been postponed to another day.

Report of cyclist struck at Thorncliffe Park Dr., Overlea Blvd

Immigrant citizens honoured as lanes are given their names

Laneways near Woodbine and Danforth Aves. have been named to honour retired teacher Vincenzina (Vincey) Angelone and the late Paul Estrela, long-time retailer and founder of Royal Beef at 1968 Danforth. The laneways run between Woodmount and Glebemount Aves. and between Woodmount and Woodbine Aves. The naming ceremonies on Saturday were celebratory family events (as shown above) typical of the immigrant citizens who came, integrated and built the community. Ms. Angelone grew up on Woodmount Ave. and served as a teacher at St. Brigid Catholic School for 46 years. She continues to volunteer there. Mr. Estrela was a native of Portugal who learned both English and Italian as he found his way in Toronto. He opened Royal Beef in 1985 assisted by his wife Carmen. He died in 2004. He was committed to the community as a sponsor of children’s sports and schools.

Water main break flooding homes at Bayview, Old Colony

Sugar Daddies, WestJet Swoop and farewell White Helmets






Belgium is scandalized by the elaborate mobile billboard business designed to hook up Sugar Daddies with college girls. Then, WestJet will call its new cheapie airline Swoop. Why not Swipe? Down below, Saudi women are given the right to drive a car and Britain retires the venerable White Helmets, an army motorcycle team that has entertained the public for 90 years.

Millwood merchants Open House, specials set for Saturday

Merchants of Millwood Rd. east of Trace Manes Park will hold an Open House Day Saturday. It’s a day to shop Leaside because the Bayview-Leaside BIA is holding the first day of Apple Fest 2017. Check it all out.