Mild stroke hospitalizes warden: Litchfield Mayor and Pontiac MRC Warden Michael McCrank is recovering after suffering a mild stroke last week. After he was found Tuesday by a friend, the 44-year-old McCrank was taken first to hospital in Shawville then transferred to CHVO in Hull. A blood clot had struck the speech centre of his brain. McCrank was released for the long weekend, but was readmitted to CHVO Monday for further testing.

“They will be testing to find out why his blood clotted,” his sister Cathy said.

The warden spent his first stay at CHVO in the emergency ward, but not because of medical conditions.

“He never got out of emergency because there were no beds,” his sister Cathy said.

Evening of appreciation: A small but enthusiastic crowd attended the Pontiac Agricultural Society’s appreciation party Friday in honour of those who made the Shawville Fair a success. 

Diane Drummond and her husband, Barrie Drummond, of Shady Lane Swiss Farm, were awarded the fourth annual President’s Cup for being the exhibitors who best represent agriculture to the community. Barrie, a 4-H director, talked to the kids from Dr. S.E. McDowell Elementary School about agriculture on their tour of the fair as one of his duties as director. Diane was in charge of the preserves and the baking in the ladies’ division.

George and Jean Coles and family won the second annual Margaret and Lawrence Lang award for the family who works together in exhibition to bring in the most points. The Coles family covered eight divisions altogether. George entered the cattle and 4-H categories and Jean exhibited in the ladies’ and 4-H divisions. Their daughter, Lisa Coles, showed in the dairy and handicraft divisions while their son, David Coles, showed in the steer and 4-H divisions.