The annual United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) Warden’s Benefit Golf Tournament took place on Friday, June 21 at Casselview Golf and Country Club near Casselman. 

 Funds raised at the tournament will be donated to social and community causes in the region. 

Presented this year by Vice & Hunter LLP, the annual event sold out in just a few days and was marked once again by extreme generosity, great camaraderie, and good weather. 

“Today’s tournament was an important fundraiser for the UCPR,” said UCPR Warden Norman Riopel.  “Thanks to our donors, sponsors, and golfers, each year, the Warden can support non-profit organizations, social clubs, food banks, and other charities. These organizations work to make our communities ever more vibrant. Our warmest thanks to all the participants of the tournament.” 

Amber Chapman won the women’s longest drive, Frédéric Beauchemin claimed the longest men’s drive, while Stéphanie Parisien won the women’s of closest to the pin challenge. Hugo Pouliot won the men’s closes to the pin challenge.  

The funds raised at the golf tournament will be distributed at the end of the warden’s term in December. 

 Since 2018, $167,000 has been donated to the community through the Warden’s Fund.  

Riopel, the mayor of Champlain Township, was acclaimed the region’s warden during a special UCPR council on Wednesday, June 12.   

Riopel served as UCPR warden in 2023 and was given the title of acting warden of the UCPR at a special council meeting on April 25 following the resignation of then UCPR Warden and Russell Mayor Pierre Leroux.  

Leroux became the new chief administrative officer (CAO) of The Nation Municipality. Russell’s new mayor, Mike Tarnowski, was introduced as a member of the UCPR council for the remainder of the 2022-2026 term during the June 12 meeting.