Star FM 97.5 Kemptville

27 students and 3 staff of Brockville Collegiate Institute are in lockdown in a Boston hotel today as a massive manhunt continues throughout the city. The Upper Canada District School Board tweeted this morning that all of the BCI group are safe and accounted for. A letter to families on the school website states the group will not be able to visit Boston attractions as planned, and may return earlier than their scheduled time of Saturday night. Families will be updated on the situation through Facebook and Twitter.

With just over a month to go, Dandelion Festival organizers are gearing up for another exciting weekend of bicycle racing. With the overwhelming success of last year's eQuinelle criterium event, the 2013 edition will be the largest women's purse race in North America. Last year's event was nominated for best criterium race in Canada, attracting national attention. Over 100 riders are expected to descend upon North Grenville and area for the race, which runs the last weekend in May. Race organizer Ryan Phelps spoke to STAR 975 on Thursday about what we can expect this year: 

The weekend will include the popular children's bicycle race and an open event for athletes wishing to join in from around the Ottawa area.

Pictured above are: Cyclists Marc Lapointe (left) and Warren MacDonald (far right) and race organizer Ryan Phelps of North Grenville.

Hospice Palliative Care Ontario works to promote awareness and education about end-of-life care while setting high standards for the hospices of Ontario. Beth Donovan Hospice Executive Director Dawn Rodger says hearing they will be designated with HPCO Level 2 Accreditation is both humbling and encouraging.

Beth Donovan Hospice has been operating in Kemptville for 21 years. They are now located in a residential setting on Hilltop Crescent as part of the Kemptville District Hospital health care hub.

A 31-year-old man from North Grenville is facing several charges after a crash in which a child was ejected from an SUV. OPP in Ottawa continue to investigate the collision, which happened on Highway 417 westbound between Woodroffe and Pinecrest. Just after 10pm Wednesday, a pickup truck driving at a high speed hit another car as it was trying to pass, then the truck hit an SUV.  The SUV spun and flipped onto its side and a 6 year old child was ejected from the vehicle.  An off-duty OPP officer saw the crash and followed the truck as it left the scene; the truck was eventually stopped on the 416.

The child suffered serious injuries but remains in stable condition.  The driver of the SUV and 3 other child passengers have non - life threatening injuries. All others involved were not injured.

The male driver of the pickup truck was charged with failing to remain at the scene of an accident, dangerous driving cause bodily harm, having an open container of liquor and failing to provide a breath sample. He is scheduled to appear in court on May 17th.