The awards are handed out by the Chatham-Kent Children’s Safety village to children who went out of their way to help someone else in a big way.

Barb Lovell is the Executive Director at the safety village and she outlines the kind of characters they are looking for.

“We’re talking about someone who has called 911, someone who has helped in saving a life or has performed in areas above their expectations,” said Lovell.

And if last year’s winners are any indication, there are some very heroic kids in Chatham-Kent.

Among the award winners in 2011 was a 13 year old girl who called 911 and helped her mother receive the medical attention she needed, and a 6 year old girl who recognized that her mother was suffering from a seizure in the bathtub and ran to the neighbours to get help.

People who have nomination suggestions are asked to call the Children’s Safety Village at 519 360 1270.

The awards will be handed out on June 11^th at 6PM at the Lawson Hall Banquet Centre on St. Clair Street in Chatham.

At about 6:45 p.m. police responded to a residence on John Park Line in Tupperville regarding a neighbour dispute.

A verbal argument began between the two men when the accused approached the victim regarding his dogs running loose in the area.

The argument escalated into a physical altercation when the accused punched the victim in the face and shoved a female who was also present.

The victim sustained a cut to his face but did not require medical attention.

The victim proceeded to grab his 12-gauge shotgun and fired off one shot into the air.

Following a thorough investigation, a 23-year-old man has been charged with two counts of assault.

A 24-year-old man has been charged with weapons dangerous and his firearms were seized for public safety.

Both men have been released pending future court dates.

Madison Broad

A Wallaceburg youngster is ready to make a big splash on the national stage.

Madison Broad, a Grade 6 student at Holy Family Catholic School and swimmer for the Chatham Y Pool Sharks, has qualified for a National meet, being held in Calgary July 25-30.

Despite only being 11-years-old, Madison will be racing against the best 12 year-old swimmers from across the country.

Madison says she competes in a variety of events for the Sharks.

“I do a lot of events… the 100 butterfly, the 100 back, 200 back, a whole bunch of stuff like that,” she said.

In order to offset some costs for her trip out West, Madison’s mother Clare and her colleagues at First Student Canada buses are holding a bake sale and yard sale on June 2.

They are looking for any unwanted items, baked goods or monetary donations for the event.

It will be held from 8-2 at 520 Elgin Street, where the Broad’s live.

Donations are being accepted at 520 Elgin Street and Holy Family School.

Call 519-627-8402 for more information.

Tecumseh Park in Chatham will come alive between 11:00am and 3:00pm with an inflatable playground, interactive workshops throughout the park, and exhibits from groups all across Chatham-Kent highlighting their summer camps and programs.

“We’re really excited about this year’s CK Youth Festival,” says Raphael Robinson, Program Development Coordinator for Recreation Programs. “We have many local businesses and group organizations setting up interactive displays of their summer programs and camps so parents and families can see first hand the activities available for them in Chatham-Kent throughout the summer.”

The Main Stage will feature tributes to the Stars of Pop including Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Lady Gaga, Rhianna, Taylor Swift and Katy Perry. Then Canadian entertainers Splash’N Boots take to the stage with their creativity and fresh approach to children’s entertainment.

Children have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities. Beat to a different kind of drum with DrumFIT or dance with the Just Dance workshop. Michael’s Craft Store will offer frame painting and button making workshops, and build a savings shed with the Home Depot.

The Fun Factor Zone will feature a 300-foot obstacle course, inflatable playgrounds, the Chalk Walk of Fame, face painters, and other interactive workshops. Parents can find information about upcoming summer programs from local businesses and organizations to keep children active this summer.

Admission is FREE for the entire event, and children of all ages are welcome.

For more information, visit www.chatham-kent.ca/recreation or call 519.360.1998.

The service will start on Friday, May 18 at 9:00AM and continue through until Labour Day. Route S1 will operate every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday between the hours of 9:00AM and 8:00PM. Fares are $5.00 one way for adults or $4.50 for students and seniors.

Route maps and schedules are available from your local municipal centre or online at www.chatham-kent.ca. For further details regarding routes and schedules, please telephone 519.354.7433.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent issued a press release about the economic development news in Wallaceburg. The CKDP had the story earlier this week as well. Here’s the update with more commentary and details!

A progressive and growing manufacturer and industrial service provider has acquired a property in Wallaceburg and plans to relocate its operation.

Edge EDM Technologies Inc. is a computer numerical control (CNC) and electric discharge machining (EDM) shop established in 2000. The company has outgrown its current 3,000 square foot facility in Lambton County and will be calling 21 Elm Street in Wallaceburg its new home.

In a joint statement, Scott Jeffrey, Owner/President and business partner Rick Doherty of Edge EDM Technologies said, “This new facility will allow Edge EDM Technologies not only to meet our current clients’ needs but to add additional equipment and expand our service offering to new clients in the future. The expanded facility will also give our employees a great work space so they can continue to offer the excellent craftsmanship our clients have come to expect since we opened 12 years ago. The support we received from Chatham-Kent’s Economic Development Services, Entegrus Services and Community Futures Development Corporation was incredible. We look forward to working with them more in the future.”

“We welcome Edge EDM Technologies to Chatham-Kent,” said Mayor Randy Hope. “The company’s move is a testament to the available facilities and skilled workforce here, and to the ongoing support that our municipality provides.”

“This is wonderful news,” said Municipal Councillor Jeff Wesley. “I was aware that Economic Development Services had been working with a company to relocate and it’s great that Edge EDM Technologies has decided to call Wallaceburg home.”

Municipal Councillor Sheldon Parsons added, “Wallaceburg has a strong and storied history in the tool and die industry and we are pleased that Mr. Jeffrey has recognized that and decided to relocate his operations.”

It was a team effort said both Wesley and Parsons. Several members of the municipal Economic Development Services team played a role in assisting Edge EDM Technologies Inc. with its decision.”

“Over the last nine months, we looked at several properties and considered multiple business scenarios,” said Economic Development Officer Geoff Wright. “This location positions Edge EDM Technologies for future expansion. There is also rental space available for any future tenant with operations complementing those of Edge.”

Business Development Manager Stuart McFadden added, “Chatham-Kent has some real gems when it comes to available, affordable industrial properties, many of which are move-in ready. Our team continues to promote these assets to investors and businesses. It’s only a matter of time before we find another client with plans to move or expand to Chatham-Kent.”

In addition to the ten current employees, Edge EDM Technologies Inc. plans to hire another three employees when it opens shop in Wallaceburg. The 25,000 square foot building will provide the space needed to grow the business and company officials expect to hire 10 more employees in the first two years.

And last month’s housing numbers prove it.

There were 12 houses sold this past April compared to 6 houses that were sold last year in the same month.

Betty Tack from Homeward Real Estate in Wallaceburg says this is good news for the town.

“I believe Wallaceburg is finally back on the map,” said Tack, “I think people have realized it’s a great place to live and the prices are reasonable.”

The average sale price for homes was also up. Tack said the average sale price was at approximately 105 thousand dollars last month compared to around 93 thousand dollars at the same time last year–a change that is not being easily overlooked by long-time homeowners.

“This is wonderful for the people who have owned their house for a number of years because they can see some value and equity in their house,” Tack told CKDP staff.

According to Deputy Fire Chief Ray Stone, a trailer full of beans, a car that was being worked on, and a number of tools were inside the shed at the time of the fire.

Stone says the fire was probably started by some oily rags that were not properly stored.

The Ministry of Natural Resources was also called to the scene after concerns were raised about some of the oil possibly leaking into a nearby water supply.

One of these zones includes a stretch of area encompassing Wallaceburg, Dresden, and Chatham.

OLG’s website says in this particular zone, there will only be one slots facility allowed with a maximum of 300 slot machines.

The move is part of the widespread changes that are taking place in Ontario’s gaming industry.

An OLG release says calls the gaming zones “geographic areas where regulated private-sector providers will be allowed to operate a single gaming facility, subject to approvals.”

A full list of all the gaming zones can be found here. The zone that includes Wallaceburg, Dresden and Chatham is “Zone SW6.”

An information session was held last night and while it was not a full house, those who did attend were supportive of a BIA.

Jim Brown, co-owner/publisher of Ridgetown Independent News, says local businesses have been talking about the idea and most of them are in favour.

“The general consensus is that we’re not looking at an amount that is going to create a great hardship for anybody,” said Brown, “And it’s going to assist greatly in filling in some of the areas we need to work on.”

The proposition is now expected to move forward to Council once all of the feedback letters from the businesses in Ridgetown are compiled and a report is put together.

And Brown is quite pleased with how quickly things are moving along and with how people have been reacting so far.

“I’m pleased with the reaction we are getting, and the support–it’s been great,” said Brown.

Brown now expects the report to be sent before Council sometime in June for approval.

Reports say four oil drums have exploded and are still leaking at the scene.

The Ministry of Environment has been contacted.

Doyle Line is currently closed at Charing Cross Road.

Limited details are known at the moment, we’ll look to update this story later today.

They also dedicated their St. Patrick’s Day shows in 2011 and 2012 to generating more food and financial support for CKOH, including donating all proceeds from merchandise sales to the CKOH. They have also made major contributions to other important charitable causes such as Rotary’s Shelterbox program after the Haiti earthquake and the Chatham-Kent Children’s Treatment Centre.

After reading the recent article in the Chatham Daily News about the bare shelves at the CKOH offices, and the shocking statistic that 20 new families are using the food bank every week, the Mountaineers are compelled to assist again. Therefore, at their Victoria Day show this week, the Mountaineers will be asking for donations at the door of non-perishable food items or a monetary donation. The band will also again be donating all proceeds from merchandise sales. There will also be some exciting surprises and promotions throughout the evening.

Where can you celebrate all things summer, listen to great music and also donate to a great cause?

Please join the band at Bailey Reid’s [519-676-9693] at 48 Marlborough Street in downtown Blenheim from 9 pm – 1 am on Friday, May 18th.

The Rondeau Bay Waterfowlers will be hosting the event, which will be taking place on Saturday May 26 from 10am to 2pm, with registration beginning at 9:30 that morning. The cost to participate is $2.00, which also gets the young anglers a delicious lunch and tons of great prizes. Participants are asked to bring their own rods and reels, though there will be lots of bait available.

The derby is sponsored by Fishing Forever, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to funding worthwhile fishing, conservation and education projects. Other sponsors include the RBWA, the PAO, Chatham Kent Police Service, the Chatham Kent OPP and Canadian Tire.

Fishing Forever chair Bob Izumi is an avid supporter of recreational fishing for both the young and the young at heart. “I love to create opportunities for children and families to go fishing,” states Izumi. “Fishing is one of the very best ways for parents and other adults to establish productive and healthy relationships with children.”

For more information on this event, plog on to www.rondeauwaterfowlers.com.

To learn more about Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire, please visit www.kidsandcops.ca or contact Joanne Pellegrino at events@kidsandcops.ca or 905 632 8679.

It is held annually on May 17th.

The event is a rally offering an opportunity for people to get together and reach out to one another.

The Chatham Pride group are hosting a Pride Flag Raising ceremony today at the Civic Centre at Noon.

Check out the website here: http://www.homophobiaday.org/

Here’s a video froma group in the U.S., but it seems to capture the essence of the event:

Shortly after midnight on this date, officers from the OPP and the Chatham-Kent Police Service responded to a call of a suspected stolen vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed eastbound on Highway 401. Between Bloomfield Road and Highway 40, the driver of the vehicle drove around a cruiser and rolled into a ditch. He was taken to Chatham-Kent Health Alliance for treatment.

Four investigators and two forensic investigators from the SIU probed the circumstances surrounding this incident. The preliminary investigation determined that the complainant had not sustained any serious injuries.

Given the Unit’s mandate, which is limited to serious injuries and deaths that may have resulted from criminal offences committed by police officers, there is nothing further to investigate. Accordingly, the SIU investigation has been terminated.

The SIU is an arm’s length agency that investigates reports involving police where there has been death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault. Under the Police Services Act, the Director of the SIU must:

• consider whether an officer has committed a criminal offence in connection with the incident under investigation
• depending on the evidence, lay a criminal charge against the officer if appropriate or close the file without any charges being laid
• report the results of any investigations to the Attorney General.

On May 19th, the Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre, in partnership with Anne Coulter, will be hosting an event at the Chatham-Kent Peace Garden Park located at the Maple Leaf Cemetery.

Starting at 10AM, everyone is invited to share in planting annuals, perennials and more. And all you need to bring are your own garden tools, gloves and a lawn chair.

And then, at 12PM, there will be a brief ceremony by the Monument of Remembrance and hope at the park and everyone who is pre-registered is invited to enjoy a picnic lunch at no cost. After the lunch, they will resume their planting.

But time is running out for registration.

Everyone must register by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 17^th by calling the CKSACC at 519-354-8908.

Today’s ride will start with registration at 6PM at the Union Gas Head Office parking lot before the riders head out at 7PM.

The riders have some very specific goals in mind and they are as follows: to mourn cyclists who were already killed by motorists, to raise awareness of cyclists on the road, to have motorists know that cyclists only want to share the road, and to show that cyclists are not going away.

The ride in Chatham is going on in conjunction with a worldwide ride around the world where cyclists are staging a silent protest of the carnage taking place on the streets.

The event was sparked by Chris Phelan who organized the first Ride of Silence in Dallas, Texas in 2003 after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was killed by a passing bus mirror on an empty road.

Participants may wear black or red arm bands, but only if you have had a bike/motor vehicle accident.

Helmets are mandatory for all riders and bright clothing and lights are recommended.

There is no cost associated with the ride. Last year there were over 319 locations that hosted rides of silence in 24 different countries.

Photo by Jonekw13

A team from C-K is set to receive some royal treatment.

Or least be in the presence of some royalty.

Kyra Knapp, The War of 1812 Project Facilitator, Charlene Houle, of Chatham-Kent Tourism and Lisa and Jim Gilbert of the Friends of the Tecumseh Monument committee were invited by Prime Minister Stephen Harper to meet Prince Charles and his wife Camilla at the upcoming Military Muster.

Knapp says she received the message on her phone, but didn’t believe it.

“It’s actually a funny story, I was out of the country and I had my Blackberry turned off,” she said. “So I got back into the country around midnight and turned my Blackberry back on… it was the first time I had been without it. I said oh my goodness this must be a joke, but it wasn’t.”

Knapp said she believes this invite shows how important South Western Ontario is to the history of the War of 1812.

“I encourage everyone to come out to the events we have this summer commemorating the war,” she said.

The prestigious event on May 22nd is part of a Royal Tour commemorating the War of 1812 on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The Walpole Island First Nation Lower Indian Reserve Specific Claim Negotiation Team says they have received a $28 million dollar offer.

“The negotiation team feels very strongly that this is a fair offer and recommends that it be accepted,” the team stated. “The Chief and Council have accepted the offer, which requires that it now be forwarded for the approval of the community through a voting process.”

The group has launched a website, where a large amount of detail regarding the offer and claim is posted.

“There are a number of activities underway in preparation for this vote,” the team stated. “These include community information sessions, communications, website updates, and the drafting of a settlement agreement and trust agreement. In order for this claim amount to be accepted by the First Nation, the majority of our eligible voters will need to turn out and vote, and the majority of those who vote will need to vote in favour of the settlement. It is important to note that this settlement will not involve a surrender of land. It is based simply on money that is owed to our First Nation.”

The negotiation team states the Lower Indian Reserve was a 2,675 acre tract of land along the St. Clair River in Moore Township, one of four reserves created by a treaty signed on July 10, 1827.

Walpole Island first submitted this claim in 1986, with the Federal Government accepting it for negotiation in 2008.

The team states that more information will be provided in the weeks and months ahead.

Ontario Dock Dogs was the first Canadian DockDogs club in Canada and was started in 2006. It has grown from a club that started off with just a few members to a club that last year had 70 plus members of all ages. This sport isn’t just for the young but also the young at heart with members ranging from 7 to 70+.

The great thing about it is that anyone can do this – all you need is a dog and a floatable toy! Since the clubs inception, the sport has spread throughout Canada. We are proud to say that we were the first.

DockDogs is also extremely popular in the United States where the sport was first born – there are events held all over and we have people travelling many miles fuelling their addiction to this crazy and fun sport.

We aren’t your typical dog show which is what makes us so unique! Kids love to stand by the side of the pool and watch the dogs fly – but watch out you may just end up in the splash zone.

We have been featured at many great events like Woofstock, Cottage Life Show and The All About Pets Show just to name a few. Last year the sport was featured on the Rick Mercer show. We had a great time filming with him and in Rick Mercer style he took the sport to a whole new level by jumping off the dock himself.

What is Dock Dogs/Dock Diving you may ask? Dock Dogs is a dog sport that consists of three disciplines:

BIG AIR, EXTREME VERTICAL AND SPEED RETRIEVE.

BIG AIR is the original and most popular Dock Dogs competition. Each dog and handler team is allowed 90 seconds to get their dog down the 40 foot dock and into the water, usually by throwing the dog’s favourite toy. See dogs of all breeds and sizes jump distances anywhere from six inches to over 25 feet! Judges will evaluate all jumps with the top five jumping dogs in each division getting a chance to jump in the finals on Sunday, the final day of competition.

Just as BIG AIR is equivalent to a “long jump” for dogs”, EXTREME VERTICAL is the equivalent to a “high jump” for dogs. A retrieving object called a “bumper” is hung from a specially designed Extender Arm and placed eight feet from the edge of the dock at the chosen starting height for each team. Each team is allowed to use a maximum of 20 feet of the dock surface and is allotted 60 seconds to jump in the air while attempting to remove the bumper from the Extender Arm. Rounds will continue with the bumper being raised in two inch increments per round
until the dog that jumps the highest takes home the prize.

SPEED RETRIEVE is the newest discipline to come to Dock Dogs and is like drag racing for dogs – fastest dog wins! Each team starts from the starting block at the 20 foot mark on the dock. The time starts from the moment when the dog leaves the starting block and they must run and jump off the dock and retrieve an object at the end of the 40 foot pool (a total retrieve distance of 58 feet) Each dog gets two retrieves to try to get the fastest time.