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Selkirk TV: Pickleball Tips with Mark Renneson

John Malloy
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Selkirk TV: Pickleball Tips with Mark Renneson

Pickleball Tips: Resets & Defence Under Pressure

Third Shot Sports

Pressure goes both ways—sometimes you’re the one under attack. In this video, you’ll learn how to resist pressure in pickleball using resets, controlled touches, and smart positioning. We’ll show you how to stay calm, avoid errors, and turn defence into offence. Perfect for beginners learning how to handle fast rallies and stay in the game when opponents push hard.

Want pickleball tips like this every week? Like this video and subscribe to Selkirk TV for weekly pickleball education, player stories, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access 

County holiday services reminder

John Malloy
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County holiday services reminder

~ Christmas and New Year’s ~

Midhurst/December 17, 2025 – The County of Simcoe reminds residents of the following schedule changes and updates during the upcoming holiday period, including Christmas and New Year’s. 

Curbside Waste Collection, Waste Drop-off Facilities, Provincial Recycling Change

  • Curbside Waste Collection will not occur on Christmas Day (Thursday, December 25) and New Year’s Day (Thursday, January 1)
  • To maintain full service to all households, curbside waste collection will be bumped by one day for households that typically receive collection on Thursday. Instead, material will be collected on Friday, December 26 and on Friday, January 2.
    • Due to the provincial recycling change going into effect on January 1, the County is no longer responsible for recycling as of the New Year. Recycling collection days will remain the same throughout the year, but if your recycling is missed, (inclusive of January 2) please contact Emterra at 1-888-597-1541 or [email protected].
    • For more information on the recycling change, please visit simcoe.ca/recyclingchange.
  • All County Waste Drop-off Facilities will close at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24 and be closed all day on December 25, 26 and January 1.
    • Check our new waste-depot fee rates starting 2026, which align with the Provincial Recycling change.

Christmas Tree Collection

  • Christmas tree collection runs bi-weekly by zone on your garbage weeks during the month of January.
  • Please place Christmas trees out on the Monday of your garbage week as collection will occur during the week, not necessarily on your regular collection day.
  • Please click here for more information on how to safely and properly dispose of your Christmas tree.

LINX Transit

  • LINX Transit services are not in operation on December 25, 26 and January 1 (with the exception of Route 4).
    • Route 4 onlywill be operating a Sunday schedule on Friday, December 26 and Thursday, January 1.
  • Return to regularly scheduled services for all routes will resume from December 29-31 and on January 2.
  • Please visit https://nextlinx.simcoe.ca/ to check all route schedules.

County Administration Centre (Midhurst) & Service Simcoe Contact Centre

  • The Administration Centre, including the Service Simcoe Contact Centre, will close at 1 p.m. on December 24 and will be closed on December 25, 26 and January 1.

Ontario Works and Children Services

  • All Ontario Works and Children Services offices will close at 1 p.m. on December 24 and will be closed on December 25, 26 and January 1.

Lake Simcoe Regional Airport

  • The Lake Simcoe Regional Airport be operational on December 24, 25, 26 and January 1.
    • December 24, 26: Normal operations
    • December 25, January 1: Services available on an “on call” basis. Staff will be readily available and will attend the airport as required.

Simcoe County Museum

  • The Simcoe County Museum will close at 1 p.m. on December 24 and will be closed on December 25, 26 and January 1.
  • The Simcoe County Museum will be running special programming over the winter holidays, for more details please visit https://museum.simcoe.ca/. 

Simcoe County Archives

  • The Simcoe County Archives will close at 1 p.m. on December 24 and will be closed on December 25, 26 and January 1.

About the County of Simcoe
County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.

MAJOR AUTO THEFT INVESTIGATION TARGETS EXPORT ENABLERS

John Malloy
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MAJOR AUTO THEFT INVESTIGATION TARGETS EXPORT ENABLERS

Organized Crime and Money Laundering Charges Laid

(MISSISSAUGA, ON) – Law enforcement has dismantled an auto theft criminal organization by focusing not only on vehicle theft, but also on the illegal exportation of stolen vehicles through freight forwarding companies. As part of Project CHICKADEE, 306 stolen vehicles destined for foreign markets such as the Middle East and West Africa have been recovered.

Today, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Provincial Auto Theft and Towing (PATT) Team and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced the dismantling of a criminal organization involved in facilitating the movement of stolen vehicles from Canada to destinations overseas. The accused include owners/operators of several registered businesses within the freight forwarding sector, as well as individuals allegedly involved in the theft of vehicles across Ontario. The criminal organization and the associated network span internationally.

Project CHICKADEE began in August 2023 after members of the OPP-led PATT Team recovered four stolen vehicles in the Greater Toronto Area. Evidence indicated the involvement of freight forwarding companies and drivers, utilizing registered businesses and fraudulent documentation to ship stolen vehicles to the Middle East and West Africa. Further investigation revealed the criminal organization had international reach and association to transnational organized crime groups.

The OPP PATT Team, the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) and the CBSA Intelligence and Investigations Operations Division (IIOD) jointly continued this investigation. Shipping containers were inspected in transit and at the Port of Montréal, the Port of Vancouver and the Port of Halifax in an effort to halt the shipment of stolen vehicles by this criminal organization. Équité Association, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) provided assistance throughout Project CHICKADEE.

As part of Project CHICKADEE, four search warrants were executed in Toronto, Vaughan, Woodbridge and Etobicoke on Thursday, October 16, 2025. Officers seized $30,000 in Canadian currency, one re-VINed vehicle, two other vehicles as offence-related property, key programmers and various Ontario licence plates. One individual was arrested and charged with four auto theft-related Criminal Code (CC) offences. Two individuals fled from police and were later apprehended.

On Thursday, November 27, 2025, search warrants were executed at 23 residential and industrial locations and 13 vehicles in the GTA and surrounding area, including Brampton, Scarborough, Waterloo, Bolton, Oshawa, Oakville, Mississauga, Innisfil, Toronto, and Milton, as well as one search warrant in Saint-Eustache, Québec.

Search warrants were executed by members from:

OPP PATT Team and partners, including:
Toronto Police Service (TPS)
HRPS
York Regional Police (YRP)
Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS)
London Police Service
Niagara Regional Police Service
Windsor Police Service
Sûreté du Québec
Ottawa Police Service
Peel Regional Police
Brantford Police Service
CBSA IIOD
OPP OCEB
OPP Community Street Crime Units
OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit
OPP Canine
OPP Emergency Response Team
OPP Provincial Operations Intelligence Bureau
Mississauga, Caledon, Toronto and 407 OPP Detachments
OPP Highway Safety Division Highway Enforcement Team
YRP Emergency Response Unit
TPS Emergency Task Force
DRPS Tactical Support Unit
Equité Association

As a result of the joint-forces investigation, the following items were seized/recovered:

306 stolen vehicles, with a combined value of approximately $25 million
Three firearms
Various provincial licence plates
On-board diagnostic reader
Numerous key fobs and assorted vehicle keys
Vehicle shipping documentation
Other equipment including two forklifts and two tractor-trailer cabs
More than $190,000 CAD
More than $32,000 USD
Electronic devices including cell phones, laptops and hard drives

Twenty individuals have been arrested and charged with 134 offences contrary to the Criminal Code, the Customs Act and the Cannabis Act, including the two individuals who fled from police on Thursday, October 16, 2025. Please see the attached Addendum of Charged Persons for further information on the accused, their respective charges and court status.

The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) provided financial intelligence disclosures that were essential to the success of the investigation. The OPP Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit has also been engaged to investigate any proceeds of crime offences and assist in the seizure of offence-related property.

The OPP remains committed to working with partners to protect communities, reduce victimization from property crimes such as vehicle theft and prevent stolen vehicles from leaving Canada.

Anyone with any information in relation to this investigation or auto theft activity should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

RESOURCES

Media resources including b-roll video clips, photos and a graphic can be found at opp.ca/downloads/projectchickadee.zip.

QUOTES

“Auto theft fuels organized criminal networks and threatens the safety of our communities, impacting families, businesses and neighbourhoods across Ontario. Today’s announcement marks a significant victory against organized auto theft in Ontario. Through Project CHICKADEE, the Ontario Provincial Police, alongside the Canada Border Services Agency and our policing partners, have dismantled a sophisticated criminal network involved in exporting stolen vehicles overseas. This operation recovered 306 stolen vehicles and uncovered links to transnational organized crime on a global scale. Today we have sent a clear message: Ontario will not be a source for criminal profit.”

  • OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique

“Project CHICKADEE is an excellent example of collaboration with different levels of law enforcement, both Provincial and Federal, uniting with a common goal of identifying, disrupting and prosecuting criminal networks who pose a very real threat to our communities. We will continue to leverage our wide array of border enforcement expertise in intelligence, criminal investigations, and national targeting at ports of entry to advance these investigations.”

  • Lisa Janes, CBSA Regional Director General, Greater Toronto Area Region

“The OPP and partner agencies are to be commended on the tremendous success of Project CHICKADEE. This is a powerful example of how government investments, great collaborative work, and public-private partnerships are having a significant impact to combat vehicle crimes in Canada. These are financially motivated crimes, and organized criminal networks are at the root seeking to profit from the $1 billion of vehicles stolen every year in Canada. Équité Association is proud to partner with the OPP, CBSA and other agencies across the country to hold criminals accountable and protect Canadian communities.”

  • Bryan Gast, National Vice President, Investigative Services, Équité Association

ABOUT THE PATT TEAM

While vehicle theft is not new, the levels of violence, intimidation and incidents involving firearms used to steal vehicles represents a new and evolving threat to public safety. With the support of the Government of Ontario and our partners, the PATT Team will lead proactive, intelligence-based organized crime investigations, bringing charges against those responsible for serious vehicle crimes and violence within the towing industry.

JOINT FESTIVE RIDE: KEEPING OUR ROADS SAFE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

John Malloy
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JOINT FESTIVE RIDE: KEEPING OUR ROADS SAFE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

(WASAGA BEACH, SPRINGWATER TOWNSHIP, ESSA TOWNSHIP, ON)- Members of the Huronia West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Nottawasaga Detachment of the OPP partnered to conduct joint Festive RIDE checks.  

On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, officers from both the Huronia West and Nottawasaga Detachments partnered to conduct joint Festive RIDE checks in Wasaga Beach, Springwater Township and Essa Township. This ongoing initiative is part of the province-wide Festive RIDE campaign, aimed at promoting increased road safety during the holiday season.  

By joining forces, officers reinforced their commitment to reducing impaired driving and ensuring everyone gets home safely. Officers engaged with motorists, conducted RIDE checks, and reminded drivers that safe driving saves lives. As a result of the afternoon enforcement multiple Provincial Offences were issued in addition to the following:  

Adam SUCHALL, 32-years-old of Wasaga Beach, charged with:

  • Operation while Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus) 
  • Drive Vehicle or Boat with cannabis readily available 

Tara BROWN, 40-years-old of Wasaga Beach, is charged with: 

  • Operation while Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs 
  • Failure or refusal to comply with demand 

Both accused are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Collingwood on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, to answer to the charges.  

During the campaign, which continues until January 1, 2026, motorists can expect an increased police presence as officers conduct RIDE initiatives around the clock, seven days a week, across the province. Impaired driving is never worth the risk, plan ahead for a safe ride home. 

The OPP reminds motorists that impaired driving is a serious threat to public safety and is never worth the risk. If you suspect someone is driving while impaired, call 9-1-1 immediately. Together, we can keep our roads safe for everyone. 

Unstoppable renewable energy revolution POWERS ON

John Malloy
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Unstoppable renewable energy revolution POWERS ON

By David Suzuki

There’s good news and bad news on the climate front. Unfortunately, the bad news is horrific, as accelerating extreme weather-related events and other unfolding climate catastrophes show. But there are signs of hope. We just have to stop dragging our feet.

“We are already facing danger,” a scientists’ statement from the November COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, warned, adding, “COP30 has a choice — to protect people and life or the fossil fuel industry.”

Too many governments, including Canada’s, appear to be leaning toward the latter.

“We need to start, now, to reduce CO2 emissions from fossil-fuels, by at least 5% per year,” the scientists wrote. “This must happen in order to have a chance to avoid unmanageable and extremely costly climate impacts affecting all people in the world.”

Studies show that “Rising heat is killing roughly one person per minute, and air pollution from the burning of fossil fuels claims an estimated 2.5 million lives every year,” DW news reports. It was also “costing as much as $304 billion in global economic losses last year.”

We’ve already passed one climate “tipping point,” with warming oceans causing irreversible mass coral reef die-offs, and we’re nearing others, including Amazon rainforest devastation and collapse of crucial ocean currents.

Coral reefs support one-quarter of all marine life, and the Amazon rainforest has more animal and plant species than any other terrestrial ecosystem. It also regulates global climate and weather and holds one-quarter of the planet’s available freshwater. Ocean currents also regulate global climate and weather.

Even though emissions continue to rise as the world refuses to halt fossil fuel development and forest and wetland destruction, investments in and growth of renewable energy technology are exceeding expectations, now outpacing fossil fuel investments.

DW reports that, “In 2024, the world experienced its largest-ever increase in renewable energy generation, which now provides 40% of global electricity. In the first half of this year solar and wind exceeded all demand growth for electricity, surpassing coal for the first time.” Solar capacity is doubling every three years. Wind power has tripled since 2015. The International Energy Agency reports that global renewable energy investments exceeded US$2 trillion last year, double the amounts committed to coal, oil and gas.

To increase energy security in the face of a growing global energy crisis and reduce their reliance on increasingly expensive, inefficient fossil fuels, countries that import oil, gas and coal are rapidly advancing electrification and renewables.

Analysis from COP30 also shows that “Sticking to three key climate promises — on renewables, energy efficiency and methane — would avoid nearly 1 C of global heating and give the world hope of avoiding climate breakdown,” the Guardian reports.

But the world continues to burn dirty, polluting coal, gas and oil at deadly rates and has increased subsidies to the fossil fuel industry — the most profitable enterprise in history!

Canada has failed to live up to its promise to phase out fossil fuel subsidies. The federal and provincial governments are supporting expanded development of methane gas exploitation and liquefaction, and are proposing pipelines to ship more dirty bitumen from the Alberta oilsands to British Columbia ports for export, where it will be burned in other countries and not counted in our emissions reporting.

Canada’s expansion of liquefied “natural” gas production is not only economically suspect, it also makes methane-reduction pledges more difficult to meet, as LNG is almost entirely methane, and leaks and emissions occur at every step of the process, from fracked extraction and transport to liquefaction and burning.

Although 160 countries, including Canada, have signed a Global Methane Pledge, promising to cut methane emissions by 30 per cent from 2020 levels by 2030, emissions continue to rise and countries, including Canada, continue to under-report them.

By every measure, shifting from fossil fuels to electrification, renewables and energy efficiency and conservation is far more beneficial to most people than following the same fossil-fuelled road. The only ones who benefit from continuing to exploit polluting, climate-altering fossil fuels are greedy industry profiteers and short-sighted politicians who would trade human health, economic resilience and survivability for a handful of short-term jobs and limited economic boosts.

Regardless of what roadblocks fossil-fuelled governments throw in the way, the renewable energy revolution is unstoppable.

David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with David Suzuki Foundation Senior Writer and Editor Ian Hanington.

Learn more at davidsuzuki.org.

– END –

EXCERPT: By every measure, shifting from fossil fuels to electrification, renewables and energy efficiency and conservation is far more beneficial to most people than following the same fossil-fuelled road.

KEY WORDS: COP30, renewable energy, methane, LNG, Amazon, tipping point, fossil fuels,

REFERENCES:

Scientists’ statement:

Scientists statement on state of COP30 Negotiations, November 19, 2025

COP30 climate summit:

https://cop30.br/en

DW news reports:

https://www.dw.com/en/the-paris-climate-agreement-isnt-perfect-but-its-done-more-than-you-think/a-74556928

Amazon rainforest has more animal and plant species:

https://worldrainforests.com/amazon/amazon_importance.htm

Holds one-quarter of all the planet’s available freshwater:

https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/priority-landscapes/priority-landscape-stories/protecting-amazon-rainforest-basin

International Energy Agency reports:

https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-investment-2025/executive-summary

Rapidly advancing electrification and renewables:

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/nov/12/supply-boom-in-cheaper-renewables-will-seal-end-of-fossil-fuel-era-says-iea

The Guardian reports:

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/nov/19/keeping-promises-on-renewables-energy-efficiency-and-methane-would-avoid-nearly-1c-of-global-heating

Phase out fossil fuel subsidies:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/oecd-fossil-oil-gas-subsidies-climate-1.7434485

Economically suspect:

https://davidsuzuki.org/science-learning-centre-article/running-on-fumes-b-c-lngs-overhyped-promises-risky-future-and-public-costs

Global Methane Pledge:

https://www.globalmethanepledge.org

GEORGIAN BAY NEWS shares the $29BN Megaproject in the Heart of a Mountain

John Malloy
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GEORGIAN BAY NEWS shares the $29BN Megaproject in the Heart of a Mountain

Fred Mills takes his deepest dive yet into one of the world’s biggest megabuilds.

Download the Straight Arrow News app by clicking here https://www.san.com/b1m to stay informed with unbiased, straight facts 🙌

Full story here – https://www.theb1m.com/video/inside-t…

The B1M

Fred Mills takes his deepest dive yet into one of the world’s biggest megabuilds.

Download the Straight Arrow News app by clicking here https://www.san.com/b1m to stay informed with unbiased, straight facts 🙌

Full story here – https://www.theb1m.com/video/inside-t…

What if 2026 Didn’t Feel the Same as Every Other Year?

John Malloy
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What if 2026 Didn’t Feel the Same as Every Other Year?

We know life can feel heavy sometimes. Busy days, work pressures, family responsibilities and the holidays which are fast approaching. Suddenly you realize you are moving through your days on autopilot.

yoga-first-logo

That is why we created the Yoga First and Wellness Premium Membership. A place to enjoy and experience a quiet, private, and flexible space. Here is where you can pause, reconnect, and take gentle guided steps towards lasting change. 

Inside, you’ll find:

  • Yoga, Qigong, Chair Movement, Meditation, Pilates, Coaching {inclusive & all designed for real, busy lives}
  • Brand New: The Master Key Simplified, our unique & exclusive transformational audio series
  • 24/7 access: practice anytime, anywhere, at your own pace

   Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, break old patterns, or simply feel healthier and more energized, this is a place where small, consistent steps lead to real transformation.

   For companies, our programs also support employee wellness and create a healthier, more connected workplace.

   This Premium Membership is equally perfect for your personal journey.

Take this quiet moment for yourself. There’s no pressure, just possibility.

https://yogafirstandwellness.com/get-started

With care,

Jennifer Nocito, RHC HCA, Certified Holistic Wellness Coach, Certified Qigong, Yoga, Chair, Pilates. Meditation Teacher, Certified Stress & Anxiety Management Specialist

Annabella, Certified Gentle Yoga/Fitness Teacher, Video Production, Marketing

“Be like the Lotus – From the mud we rise, from the dark we bloom, and into the world we shine.”

Jennifer & Annabella 

yogafirstandwellness.com/get-started/corporate

[email protected]

yogafirstandwellness.com

If You’re Passionate about Making a Real Difference in Kids’ Lives, Join Us at CARE Foster Care

John Malloy
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If You’re Passionate about Making a Real Difference in Kids’ Lives, Join Us at CARE Foster Care

Have you ever felt that gentle tug at your heart, the kind that whispers, “You could make a real difference in someone’s life”? That’s the feeling that draws so many wonderful people into the rewarding world of foster care. 

At CARE Foster Care, we’re so much more than just an organization—we’re a close-knit family of kind-hearted folks, all coming together to embrace and nurture the precious children who truly need our love and support the most.

If you’re in the Barrie, Orillia, or Stayner area, we’re extending a warm invitation to you: join our supportive team.

Statement from the Office of the Mayor 

John Malloy
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Statement from the Office of the Mayor 

Collingwood, ON [15 December, 2025] – 

I am so pleased to let residents and businesses know that the Boil Water Advisory for parts of Collingwood has now been fully lifted. An important Public Service Announcement has just been issued by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and the Town.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has completed all required water testing and has confirmed that our water is safe for normal use in all areas of our Town. Our water plant is fully operational.

Thank you to everyone for your patience and cooperation during this time. I know this was inconvenient and understandably caused significant concern. I ask for your ongoing understanding that this was a complex situation with response having our communities health and best interest at heart.

I want to sincerely thank Town staff, Arnott Construction, and our partners at the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, for their quick and careful work to fix the issue and complete the testing.

I also want to thank the many community partners, volunteers, and organizations who helped support residents and businesses during the advisory. To name a few, Ice River Springs, The Royal Canadian Legion, Tim Hortons & the Trude Family, and the Collingwood OPP Detachment.

On behalf of Council and Town staff, thank you again to everyone who worked together through this situation. The Town remains committed to providing safe, reliable drinking water for our community.

Collingwood is a community that looks out for one another, for that I am incredibly grateful.

Yvonne Hamlin

Mayor

Boil Water Advisory Update #4 -Joint Public Service Announcement: Boil Water Advisory Lifted

John Malloy
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Boil Water Advisory Update #4 -Joint Public Service Announcement: Boil Water Advisory Lifted

Collingwood, ON [15 December 2025] – The amended Boil Water Advisory (BWA) issued on December 13 2025 has been lifted as of noon by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit for the impacted areas mainly in the eastern and southern parts of the Town of Collingwood (shown in the linked map), including Hwy 26 East and surrounding areas east of the Pretty River and properties between Poplar Side Road and Tracey Lane/Findlay Drive. Laboratory test results have confirmed that the water is free from contamination and is safe to drink. Any facilities that were closed due to the advisory can now reopen after taking the necessary precautions.

Residents and businesses in the eastern and southern parts of Collingwood as shown on the map and list of affected streets should take the following steps before using their water:

  • Run all cold faucets for a minimum of five minutes. If the water does not run clear after five minutes, contact the Town of Collingwood at 705-445-1030.
  • Run drinking water fountains for a minimum of five minutes.
  • Run all water softeners through a regeneration cycle.
  • Replace pre-filters and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for reverse osmosis units.
  • Replace water filters, as they are disposable and may be contaminated. This applies especially to carbon filters and others that are near the end of their life.
  • Drain and refill hot water heaters set below 45°C (113°F). Normal setting is 60°C (140°F).
  • Drain and flush all ice-making machines and soda fountain machines.
  • Flush, clean and sanitize appliances with water line connections (e.g., fridges with water and ice dispensers), following the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Dispose of any ice made since Friday, Dec. 12, 2025.
  • Large-volume users (for example, restaurants) may need to run cold water taps for a longer period of time on first use to ensure the water is not cloudy.

Note: Please consult the manufacturer or owner’s manual for detailed instructions on how to flush and disinfect ice or soda fountain machines and how to restart water treatment devices.

For more information, visit smdhu.org.

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