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Controlled interactions
C-K council passes public conduct policy
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Chatham-Kent council approved a new public conduct policy and trespass bylaw.
But at least one Chatham-Kent councillor is concerned the policy is an overreach, questioning the methodology used to determine who is breaking the rules.
Following a query by North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville as to how misconduct by the public is decided, the municipality’s general manager of corporate services explained the process would begin with the employee, who would go on to consult with upper-level management if necessary.
According to Cathy Hoffman, the municipality already has an employee code of conduct and a council code of conduct, noting the public policy piece rounds out protection for staff and members of the public on municipal property.
“It’s becoming a best practice across the province with a number of other municipalities having already adopted public codes of conduct to have
a fair process to manage these types of situations,” Hoffman said.
In short, Hoffman explained that if an incident takes place, the discussion can be “elevated” to legal services or the chief administrative officer to determine next steps depending on the “severity of the situation.”
“Therefore, this policy provides us with a process to be able to address those kinds of things,” she said, noting the bylaw provides a framework to keep municipal employees safe.
The new policy does not bring any additional costs, Hoffman added, as the municipality already deals with these issues.
Jubenville said she wanted to know what triggered the policy, citing the fact that the criminal justice system and the Ontario Human Rights Code are already in place to deal with infractions.
“I’m confused why we need another level of bureaucracy for us to monitor the public and deal with threats,” Jubenville said, emphasizing she doesn’t want the municipality to “hinder” the public’s ability to exercise their rights.
Continued on page 5
Tour historical incarceration
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Chatham’s jail is about to be repurposed into a high-end apartment complex, but history buffs will have one last chance to tour the 175-year-old landmark.
Beginning this week, six tours will be conducted weekly until September. Tours will be held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Project manager Les Lonsbary, who is developing the property with business partner Ed McLaughlin, said the exterior will remain the same, but the interior will be gutted and new apartments will take shape.
The same thing will happen at the former four-storey courthouse next door to the jail, he said.
“Ultimately, this is a business
venture, but we wanted to give people a chance to have a last look at the building,” Lonsbary said.
“This is something we love, to take a diamond in the rough with beautiful bones and structure and great character and bring it back to life,” Lonsbary explained. “We can allow people to live in here but still keep this significant piece of history for Chatham.”
Along with an overgrown prisoner’s yard, tightly compressed cellblocks, dark passageways and stone walls, the former high-ceilinged federal courtroom and upper-level Kent Law Association library remain intact. Accented by intricate wood carvings, the faded chairs and tables where the judge, jury and accused sat stand in silent tribute to decades of law and order in Kent County.
Designed by Canadian ar-
chitect William Thomas, the neoclassical limestone structure features a balustraded balcony and a crowning cupola. During its construction, future Canadian Prime Minister Alexander Mackenzie worked on it as a stone mason.
The jail closed in 2014 and local prisoners are now transported to the South West Detention Centre in Windsor.
The jail, which housed prisoners for 164 years, was designated a heritage site in 2003. It was purchased from the province by the Warrener family who sold it to its current owners.
Lonsbary pointed out the public has a fascination with crime shows and movies, and the
Chatham jail plays into that. Continued on page 5
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
The old Chatham Jail and Courthouse will be open for tours this summer. It’s a chance for a last look inside the venerable facility before the place is gutted and turned into apartments.
for the
The Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation of Chatham-Kent would like to thank our participants, volunteers and sponsors for taking part in the 2nd annual Run for the Kids event. When you fundraise for the CTC-CK,
and youth
Continued from page 3
“Who doesn’t love the Shawshank Redemption in the old jail setting?” Lonsbary asked.
The Chatham Jail is having its own cinematic moment.
Thanks to a horror movie titled “Fresh Meat,” the structure will be immortalized for all time. Filmed by Daniel and Christian Torres of London the movie is slated for released in 2025. The pair rented the entire building for three months in 2023 to make the film, as evidenced by fake blood splattered throughout the building.
Three retired corrections officers who worked at the Chatham jail will act as guides for the summer tours, leading the curious through the imposing
structure, sharing their experience of safeguarding prisoners while telling the building’s story.
Loris Arthurton, who worked at the jail for 20 years, is one of the former guards who will lead tours. He joins Dave Arnold and Phil Gavin in the initiative.
The jail, which normally held 50 to 55 inmates, was a decent place to work, Arthurton told The Voice.
“It was a good place to work if you followed the procedures; it wasn’t hazardous,” he added. “I treated them (inmates) as people and I gave them respect unless they didn’t give it to me.”
The former corrections officer
said two incidents stand out in his mind. One involved an escapee who kicked a hole in the ceiling and shimmied down a drainpipe. The man was caught the next day after stealing a car and getting into an accident.
The other involved a so-called riot in the 1990s when all of the inmates got stoned on drugs that were smuggled in.
“They were high all night and all the next day,” Arthurton said, adding prisoners went wild breaking water pipes and starting fires in their cells.
“It wasn’t the smartest thing to do,” he added.
To book a tour, visit eventbrite. ca and search for Chatham-Kent courthouse. Cost is $20 and pre-registration is required.
Best behave when interacting with C-K staff, councillors Tour the slammer
Continued from page 1
“If they’re doing so, in not a threatening way, I just find it a slippery slope that we could be engaging on,” the councillor said. “It feels a bit overreaching.”
Hoffman said the municipality recognizes that not all actions of public misconduct are criminal but may still break the rules. In his remarks, CAO Michael Duben explained the policy provides a “mechanism” to deal with misconduct issues, noting it’s the municipality’s duty to engage with the public and that the scope of the policy is “much
bigger” than employees simply being annoyed.
C-K legal solicitor Emily Crawford said that citing a member of the public for trespass is never done lightly, noting the municipality has a duty to provide the public with access to essential services.
Enacting the trespass bylaw would typically take in a “history of behaviour,” Crawford explained, to be used only in the “most extreme” of circumstances.
West Kent Coun. Melissa Harrigan expressed her support for the bylaw, noting it’s “important to have a policy to lean on.”
Harrigan used the example of “tense arguments” in the stands at arenas between hockey parents, saying she’s witnessed
municipal staff asking people to leave because of disrespectful behaviour.
But she said people sometimes refuse, say-
ing the arena is a public building paid for by their tax dollars.
The new policy allows C-K to trespass people,
but an appeal process is also built in at a cost of $200.
The policy passed 15 to 3.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Book a tour to check out a historical look at how people lived while housed in the Chatham Jail.
Opinion
Conduct unbecoming
OK, dear readers, put on a happy face…when dealing with anyone associated with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent… anywhere.
Otherwise, you could risk violat ing their code of public conduct that council passed recently by a 15-3 vote.
The policy says you could be in violation of their policy for a host of reasons. We get the obvious ones, such as being overtly belligerent to municipal staff on municipal property, or threatening said staff.
However, what council passed is way, way too overarching. We for sure understand that an irate resident yelling at others in the Civic Centre should be removed from the building. But this policy has allowances for municipal retribution if you are taking up what THEY deem is an inordinate amount of time of a council member or a municipal employee, even if you have a smile on your face and speak in deferential tones.
Too many emails? You could be subject to restrictions.
Complaining on social media to a staffer or a councillor over a municipal issue? That’s right, their policy reaches into Facebook, X and whatever other platform you might use.
You could be trespassed off municipal properties and barred from communication. Granted, that’s the worst-case scenario, but again, the level of response is determined by municipal management.
Sure, C-K staff will tell you what we just stated here is going too far and won’t be the case. But…consider who decides how far is too far. It’s in the hands of municipal management, not an outside party. Are you there arguing your case each time? No.
But if you want to argue the decision, it’s time to dole out $200. That’s the price of an appeal.
The potential violations listed in the policy also go beyond Canadian law. If you secretly record a conversation with municipal staff, you violate their code of conduct. Section 184 of the Criminal Code of Canada states that it is legal to record a conversation as long as one of the parties involved is aware of the fact and consents (and that could be the person doing the recording). It’s known as one-party consent.
One wonders if journalists, who are members of the public, could be subject to the code just for being good at their jobs. Good reporters use skepticism as a weapon. They don’t just blindly accept what one talking head says as gospel. Reporters will ask multiple people about an issue.
That, technically, is a violation of the new policy because “persistently approaching the municipality through different routes about the same issue” is deemed a policy violation.
We understand the concept behind the policy, but feel it takes things too far, with too little outside oversight.
Our letters to the editor policy
The Chatham Voice welcomes letters to the editor. Our preferred method to receive letters is via e-mail to bruce@ chathamvoice.com (use “Letter” in the subject line).
You can also drop them off or mail
them to us at The Chatham Voice, 71 Sass Rd., Unit 4, Chatham, Ont, N7M 5J4.
The Chatham Voice reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for brevity and clarity. All letters need to be signed.
Tax after tax after tax
Editor: Why is it that our esteemed politicians cannot balance the budget to save their lives, but all become millionaires?
Why is it that we pay income tax on our earnings then have to pay tax on items purchased with already taxed money? Everything we do is taxed with already taxed money.
Tax Freedom Day this year in Canada was at the summer solstice, June 21. In the U.S., it was a month and a half earlier. This means if you paid all your taxes up front at the start of the year, all your earnings go to pay all your taxes up until June 21. Nothing for food, clothing, rent, etc.
After June 21, the money you earn is yours. We pay almost half of our money in taxes! The American Revolution began because the colonists were resisting a two-percent tax on tea. What happened?
Bryan Marino Chatham
Treat people with respect
Editor: Yes, unfortunately there is a lot of public anger out there. The cause is that our governments (at all levels) do not govern justly. This is what they need to do to stop the anger.
Put a cap on how much landlords can demand in rent – this can be scaled according to how many rooms are for rent, how many amenities there are, etc.
The government did put a cap on doctors’ salaries, so it is not unreasonable for them to do so for the price for living accommodations.
Put a cap on how much essential groceries can cost. This idea has been talked about recently, but has not been implemented into law. Also, the government needs to decide who they represent; the money-lending institutions (who get richer as poverty increases because people have to borrow money), or the public who depend on government policies to prevent them from falling into poverty, forcing them to borrow more money. Quit wasting money on renovation projects
in which taxpayers’ money disappears into other people’s pockets.
And finally, if they ever declare another pandemic, government would do best by not intimidating the public into taking vaccines. Public anger has dramatically increased since the pandemic. Give the people good government and treat people with respect, and public anger will decrease.
Katherine Budd Chatham
4 new docs join CKHA team
The Chatham Voice
The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) recently announced it has enticed four new physicians to practice here.
Dr. Khaldoun Sallam joins the pediatric department, Dr. Andrew Helt is on board as an associate in critical care and emergency department, and Dr. Mabruk Alafshuk and Dr. Michael Okoye join CKHA’s hospitalist team.
“We are delighted to welcome four new physicians to CKHA,” said
Dr. Zeke Milkovic, acting chief of staff at CKHA, in a media release. “Their diverse backgrounds and extensive experience will further strengthen our ability to deliver high-quality health-care services to the residents of Chatham-Kent.”
Sallam joins CKHA as a pediatrician with specialized training in neonatal-perinatal medicine.
With a Doctor of Medicine degree and board certification in pediatrics from Syria, he brings almost a decade of experience
working as a pediatrician across multiple countries, including Syria, Qatar, and Dubai. His extensive training includes Fellowships in Neonatal Perinatal Medicine from the University of Calgary and McMaster University.
“CKHA has a renowned reputation for providing comprehensive and compassionate care to children in the community, as well as a collaborative teamwork and supportive work environment,” he said.
Helt is a Canadi-
an-trained Fellow of both emergency medicine and critical care medicine with official Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada (FRCPC) designation. Dr. Helt completed a Doctor of Medicine at Western University, followed by an Emergency Medicine Residency and a Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at Queens’s University.
With more than two decades of internal medicine practice experience, Alafshuk has a strong background in providing
comprehensive care to patients. Educated in Libya and further trained in cardiology in the United Kingdom, he is excited to continue his medical journey in Chatham-Kent.
“I chose Chatham as a second home because of its nature, good weather, and the welcoming people,” said Alafshuk.
Okoye brings his expertise in internal medicine to CKHA after completing his medical training in Nigeria and Ireland. A Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Can-
ada, Okoye is passionate about medical education and plans to open an internal medicine clinic in the community focusing on respirology and general internal medicine.
Check out the new units coming available later this
United merger
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
The United Way of Chatham-Kent has entered a new era.
On July 1, the 76-year-
old agency officially joined forces with the United Way of Windsor-Essex. Going forward, the blended organization has been dubbed United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent
(UWCWECK).
But while governance will change, officials are reassuring donors and the community that dollars raised in Chatham-Kent will stay in Chatham-Kent.
Lorraine Goddard, chief executive officer of the Windsor-Essex United Way, has assumed the role of overseeing the Chatham-Kent branch.
At the announcement, held at the Tilbury Information and H.E.L.P. Centre June 26, Goddard said the new regional organization remains committed to helping the local communities it serves.
“We understand the importance of local support and the unique needs of each community,” Goddard told the gathering. “That’s why we want to be very clear that all donations made in Chatham-Kent will stay in Chatham-Kent, just as the donations made in Windsor-Essex will stay in Windsor-Essex.”
Goddard said the United Way has developed a new donation tracking system to ensure funds end up in the proper communities.
The merger between the two agencies is part of growing trend. In 2017, there were 110 United Way non-profit chapters in Canada. Today that
number has dropped to 58, mostly due to regionalization and blending resources.
“It’s really a broader strategy for United Way,” Goddard explained. UWCWECK will be governed by a 22-member board of directors led by Windsor-Essex chair Lori Atkinson. Four seats on the board will be allocated to Chatham-Kent representatives.
Chris Appleton, president of the board of directors for the Chatham-Kent United Way, called the merger a “good news story.
“This unification plan will allow both United Ways to access the benefits of a larger organization while maintaining strong local leadership and community-level connections,” he said. “I can assure you funds raised in Chatham-Kent will stay in Chatham-Kent. The unification strategy just makes fantastic business sense.”
According to Goddard, office space will be staffed and maintained in Chatham at 425 McNaughton Ave W. and at the Tilbury Information and H.E.L.P. Centre, along with the non-profit’s headquarters at 300 Giles Blvd. in Windsor.
Currently there are five employees in C-K. In Windsor, the United Way offers programs directly, with 24 employees.
Next steps for the organization include consultation with the community, Goddard explained, followed by the launch of new fundraising campaigns as the agency rebuilds.
Along with the obvious pressures brought by the pandemic, the United
Way of Chatham-Kent has faced significant challenges in recent times. A new CEO came and went in the last couple of years, and there was also the matter of an employee allegedly embezzling some $300,000 from the non-profit’s coffers. It is unknown at this time if the money was recovered, however a criminal investigation into the matter is underway.
Interim CEO Maureen Geddes admitted the loss of funds “may have hastened” the merger, but stressed reorganization talks were already in the works.
Kudos were also given to the memory of former board member and longtime United Way advocate Wes Thompson, who passed away recently. Appleton called Thompson a “true visionary” and collaborator. Thompson knew about the merger before his death, Appleton added, and gave the initiative two thumbs up.
“I can’t say enough about the man,” Appleton said.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
Lorraine Goddard, chief executive officer of United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent and United Way of Chatham-Kent board president Chris Appleton show off the logo for the new organization. On July 1, the United Way of Windsor-Essex and the United Way of Chatham-Kent officially joined forces, forming one organization.
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Kent Ag HoF ceremony Nov. 19
The Chatham Voice
The Kent Agricultural Hall of Fame (KAHoF) has announced its inductees for 2024.
The names were unveiled to Chatham-Kent council by KAHoF vicechair Alice Uher at a recent meeting.
Stephen Denys, Harry Lawson and Keith McLean are being recognized.
Lawson and McLean are being honoured posthumously.
Denys, of the former Chatham Township, is being recognized as a passionate agriculturalist for 50 years, deeply involved with the farm community in crop production, protection marketing and seed development.
Lawson, of the former Zone Township, is known for his work to change bylaws and regulations to benefit the agricultural community. He was known as an advocate for farmers to achieve fair settlements with gas and hydro companies when their corridors crossed farmland, avoiding expropriation whenever possible.
McLean, formerly of
Morpeth, was a strong supporter of sustainable farming methods. He stressed the importance of balancing agricultural and natural cover, emphasizing the use of windbreaks and cover crops to reduce wind erosion.
The induction ceremony will take place Nov. 19 at Hidden Hills Golf and Country Club in Oungah. A meet and greet starts at 11 a.m. followed by lunch. All three of the men’s biographies will be presented as part of the event.
Tickets for the induction ceremony can be obtained by calling Kathy Vanek at 519-683-2929.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Into this life a little rain must fall, but Kayla Lauttamus didn’t mind a bit last Wednesday. The Chatham resident was found, umbrella in hand, picking up empty garbage cans for her neighbours and returning them to their respective homes.
Municiplity opts to close Burn’s Beach
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative
pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Access to the popular Burns Beach on the Lake Erie shore is being permanently closed by the municipality.
Council recently voted 13 to 5 to approve the recommendation from administration that cited safety concerns about the steep pathway leading to the beach at the end of Dillon Road.
C-K director of public works Ryan Brown said it was his duty as a professional engineer to recommend the closure. While the actual beach area itself belongs to the province, the graveled access path is owned by Chatham-Kent. According to the staff report, high water levels have contributed to accelerated erosion of the Lake Erie bluff, making pub-
lic access hazardous. In addition, the report said the beach area has almost disappeared and no longer resembles a traditional beach.
Brown said the matter was explored by legal services in 2022 after a resident complained. He said staff determined there were “nefarious activities” going on down at the beach and that CK Public Health stopped water testing at the site years ago.
Brown said keeping it open means the municipality will have to maintain the steep passage, something that’s dangerous for equipment operators.
“I think it’s my due diligence as a professional engineer to tell you that structure is not safe,”
Brown added, noting it’s adjacent to a 100-foot bluff. The engineer said he’s personally witnessed
people dumping cement and garbage over the hill with the back wheels of the pickup truck almost over the edge.
He also referenced the recent Zusak study which recommends “retreat” as the best option in the face of erosion and high water levels.
But some councillors disagreed, including Chatham Coun. Michael Bondy and South Kent’s Anthony Ceccacci. Bondy said he’s been going to the beach for 30 years, with no problems.
He admitted the access is difficult to manoeuvre, but not impossible.
Bondy said closing the access is moving towards a “nanny state” to say we have to block it off because it’s not safe enough.
“I’m pretty sure nobody’s fallen off the path into the lake,” Bondy said adding the beach is a
Brenna
The once-popular public spot on Lake Erie, Burn’s Beach, has been closed by the municipality due to shoreline erosion and safety concerns.
“neat little hidden gem” that’s fairly busy.
“I just don’t understand
blocking the access, I just don’t get it,” the councillor said. “If you’re not
comfortable with your driving skills, then don’t go. It’s easy.”
Corcoran/Special to The Chatham Voice
C-K Pools open, summer fun begins
The Chatham Voice
Hit the municipal pools to be cool this week.
That’s right, CKRecreation outdoor pools were to open July 2.
CKRec officials said sponsors have made it possible for the public to enjoy free swims all summer long in the seven outdoor and two municipal pools.
The municipality is also bringing back SummerFest for July and August, which offers a host of programs for C-K residents.
“We are thrilled to offer a variety of free community programs to the residents of Chatham-Kent again this summer,” said Amy
Wadsworth, manager of recreation services and community engagement, via a media release. “We hope that families take advantage of these opportunities to get outside, have fun, and connect with their community.”
As part of the SummerFest series, CKRecreation will host beach days in Erieau and Mitchell’s Bay every Saturday and Sunday throughout July and August from 11 a.m. to 3 pm. The CKRecreation Summer Squad will run activities with no shortage of beach toys and activities for kids.
SummerFest also features a weekly Party in the Park throughout July
and August. Start the night with a fun community party followed by a free rec swim.
Party in the Park will visit Chatham, Blenheim, Tilbury, Wallaceburg, Ridgetown, Dresden and Thamesville.
Additionally, SummerFest includes the Play Rangers at Kingston Park. Events will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday throughout July and August.
The Play Rangers bring unique and engaging equipment and toys ensuring fun for all ages.
The full SummerFest schedule can be found at chatham-kent.ca/recreation.
Summer pool schedules are available online atcha- tham-kent.ca/pools Contributed image
Families can flock to Chatham-Kent’s seven outdoor pools, as they are all open for the summer, and feature free swimming.
Run for Kids a $117K hit
By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com
Apparently, the community and staff at the Foundation of the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent aren’t on the same page.
Staff, heading into the recent second annual Run for the Kids event held June 22 at Rondeau Provincial Park, hoped to match or slightly exceed the $80,000 raised at the inaugural event.
Queue the giving nature of the people of Chatham-Kent.
No, $80,000 wasn’t good enough. Heck, $100,000 didn’t sit well. Instead, they raised $117,000 with the run.
Erin Genge, community engagement co-ordinator with the foundation, said she and others were left speechless.
“Raising $117,000, I think, blew us all out of the water,” she said. “But (a week prior to the event) all of a sudden money came rolling in.”
She said corporate teams and volunteers were a big part of the event, with Handy Bros. and the Realty Energy Group stepping up big time.
But at the core, families of children who utilize services offered at the treatment centre were a huge part of the success as well.
“We sold out. We had 300 people register,” Genge said. “With supporters, family and friends, we had over 500 people in the park.”
Some registered with the goal of aggressively running the 5K circuit. But others were there purely for a good time.
“Spirits were high. It was magical. Seeing our families and the community come out, you can’t help but feel the spirit,” she said. “It’s contagious. Everyone was there supporting each other and raising money for a great cause.”
Genge said several teams showed up in costumes.
The weather, with rain during set up and again at the start, did not dampen spirits. Genge said it was actually appreciated.
“We had a little bit of a wet morning, but it didn’t slow anyone down,” she said. “Some runners said it was a perfect way to cool down after a hot week.”
Funds raised will go towards supporting the programming offered by the Children’s Treatment Centre, specifically music therapy, recreational therapy, the pool programs, and social work.
“We’re trying to make sure the key services are delivered to kids across Chatham-Kent,” Genge said.
Lisa Campbell/Special to The Chatham Voice
Participants brave a damp start to the Run for the Kids 5K walk/run on June 22, but the skies were crystal clear in the fundraising department, as the event raised $117,000.
The Arts
Student art exhibit underway
The Chatham Voice
More than 100 pieces of art created by local high school students are on display as part of the “Here I Am” student exhibition at the Thames Art Gallery.
Running until Aug. 11, the initiative showcases the work of some 70 students from four different secondary schools. At the opening reception June 21, six students were recognized for their creative achievements. In addition to a trio of People’s Choice awards, two awards of excellence and one scholarship for a student planning to study
the arts post secondary were presented.
The first People’s Choice award, donated by gallery advisory member Clair Culliford, went to Halle DeJonge, a Grade 10 student attending Chatham-Kent Secondary School. The second, donated by gallery advisory committee chair Michael M. Garland, went to Makenna Mifflin, a John McGregor Secondary School Grade 10 student, and the third, donated by Vicki McFarland, was awarded to Lucy Thrift, a Grade 12 student attending CKSS.
Two awards of excellence, both donated by
McFarland, were also handed out. The first went to Grade 12 John McGregor Secondary School student Laila Steward, with the second going to Scarlett Koole, a Grade 11 student at CKSS.
Quinn Stoner, who is graduating from Ursuline College Chatham, received a $1,000 scholarship as she is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Windsor. The scholarship was donated by Cathy Van Raay-Myers. The gallery is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Contributed image
Student artists, from left, Scarlett Koole, Halle DeJonge and Lucy Thrift were among a handfuls of artists who earned awards for their work on display as part of the “Here I Am” student exhibition at the Thames Art Gallery.
Ball diamond plans progress
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative
pamwrightlji@gmail.com
If you build a new Field of Dreams baseball diamond they will come –but you have to scope it out first.
That was the decision reached by Chatham-Kent council at a recent meeting. It followed a recommendation from administration to explore the possibility of constructing a new diamond, with the preferred site adjacent to Chatham’s Fergie Jenkins Field (FJF).
Spearheaded by the Chatham-Kent Sports Hall of Fame and its partners, the Field of Dreams Commit-
tee has pledged to raise $2.5 million for capital costs for the project.
The goal is to provide an additional field to accommodate baseball for ages 14 years and up, as well as creating a barrier-free space where accessible Challenger baseball can be played.
However, the matter sparked a lengthy discussion, with several councillors saying that choosing a location is premature.
The green space is currently used for soccer, and some councillors, including Chatham’s Amy Finn, said going forward with the design beside FJF is premature prior to securing new playing fields for the
Straight Talk with Nathan McKinlay and Alyssa Jerrett
Do you have cemetery property? Are you the original owner of the plots, or were they handed down from a parent or a grandparent? Most cemeteries allow for either one casket and two urns or four urns to go in any full grave. This allows for many family members to go in a handful of plots. Do you have your graves assigned to individual family members? If not, it may be prudent to get the work done. Depending on the cemetery, you may be required to sign an affidavit before a commissioner of oaths. Both Alyssa Jerrett and myself are commissioners of oaths and are happy to help you with your grave assignments at no charge. Just give us a call if you want help with the process.
soccer teams using the space. Finn said she’s also concerned that the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers of the Intercounty Baseball League may want to expand, impacting the Field of Dreams.
“I can’t approve it as it sits right now,” said Finn. “There’s are too many unanswered questions for me.”
Chatham Coun. Alysson Storey and South Kent Coun. Ryan Doyle also expressed caution regarding choosing a location, prior to hearing from affected user groups.
“I worry that this potentially pits different athletic groups in our community and leagues against each other, so I worry if we are taking away the soccer fields, that could potentially create some conflict,” Storey said.
Doyle said he thought making the approval was rushing things and that it should be postponed pending a parks and recreation master plan slated for completion in 2025. Council voted for the municipality to sanction the group’s fundraising efforts and will spend $35,000 for a
landscape design at the preferred site. However, Rob Pollock said that if a different location is chosen for the Field of Dreams, the design can be reconfigured and the money won’t be lost.
Chatham Coun. Brock McGregor said supporting the proposal is a good way to address the growing interest in baseball, as well as supporting a community partnership.
“In no way does this report or recommendation immediately put soccer usage at risk,” he said, noting other fields are available.
“By any means, I don’t think it’s a nice to have, it’s a must have,” McGregor told council.
Chatham Coun. Conor Allin said supporting the Field of Dreams is a “no brainer,” noting the new diamond will facilitate high level tournaments, encouraging people to come to Chatham-Kent.
Chatham Coun. Marjorie Crew, who urged her fellow councillors to get behind the project, said it’s not about pushing out soccer.
She admitted she was a bit “stunned” by the councillors who want to wait for the master plan before giving it approval.
Instead, Crew stressed, the municipality needs to support the Field of Dreams Committee in its fundraising efforts moving forward.
“I’m asking you to support this,” the councillor said.
AUTO REPAIR &
Image courtesy Metro Creative Graphics
Chatham-Kent administration will investigate the need for building a new baseball dimaond in the wake of increased interest in the sport in Chatham.
Andrew Thompsett/Special to The Chatham Voice
Spectators braved the heat recently to interact at the annual Blenheim Classics Autoshow. The event featured a wide variety of vintage cars on display throughout the downtown.
Warm weather can make travel more enjoyable and affords people more time to comfortably enjoy the great outdoors. It’s best to keep safety in mind when soaking up the sun. That’s important for all members of the family, including pets. Cats and dogs are as susceptible to heat-related illnesses as their human companions.
Recognize heat stroke
Pets can suffer from heat stroke, certain breeds of dogs are highly susceptible, particularly those with short snouts, such as pugs and bulldogs. Excessive exercise in hot weather, lack of appropriate shelter outdoors and leaving a dog in a hot car may precipitate an episode of heat stroke. It’s important to get the pet out of direct heat right away and check for signs of shock, which include seizures, a body temperature of 104 F or higher, stupor, increased heart rate, or excessive panting. Placing water-soaked towels on the pet’s feet, head, neck, and abdomen can bring down its temperature.
Protect Pets in Hot Weather
Be cautious of hot surfaces
Humans wear shoes on their feet for protection, but pets do not have that luxury. Think about how hot your feet can feel when you scurry barefoot across hot sand en route to the shoreline or to cross a deck to get to the pool. When the sun beats down on surfaces, those surface temperatures rise quickly. According to a 2010 study by Liberty Home and Pet Services, at peak afternoon sun and an ambient temperature of 95 F in southern Florida, the temperature of cement was measured at 125 F, red brick at 135 F, blacktop at 140 F, and grass at 102 F. Individuals who think a car is safer for their dog or cat may be surprised the informal study measured 152 F on seat surfaces.
Provide extra water
It’s likely you will need to fill your pets’ water bowls more frequently in warm weather than during other times of the year. Be sure to provide constant access to fresh water, even for young puppies who may be learning to house train. Avoid cutting fur too short. If a veterinarian suggests a hair cut may be beneficial for keeping a pet cool or
comfortable, resist the urge to shave down to the skin. Having at least one inch of fur will protect the pet from sunburn.
Outdoor
hazards
Warm weather may bring out a high number of insects and wildlife. Use a flea and tick preventative product and medication to protect against heartworm, which is transmitted through mosquitoes. Snakes, skunks, raccoons, foxes, and other animals may be roaming around, and a scuffle with your pet can result in injury.
Pets need extra care during the warm weather to avoid damage and sickness from the sun, heat and more.
Dave and Rosie take a break in the shade at Thames Valley Conservation area, Grand Ave East Chatham.
Outdoor plants toxic to household pets
Pets bring many positive changes to households. Pets can make homes more lively, and the companionship of animals can reduce feelings of loneliness while offering additional health benefits to pet owners. Individuals who are preparing to adopt or purchase pets need to be mindful that they may need to make changes at home to ensure residences are safe places for pets to reside. Much in the way new parents must assess the environs for potential hazards to babies, pet owners should conduct similar inspections. These safety checks should occur both inside and in the yard if pets will be spending time outdoors. Poisonous plants are a potentially hidden hazard prospective pet owners must address before bringing a new pet home. People generally do not give much thought to the plants they include in their homes and yards beyond the care instructions and how they can add to the aesthetic appeal. Homeowners may know if a plant likes the sun or shade, but they may not realize its potential for toxicity. That’s because adults in particular are not prone to ingesting the plants in their yard that are inedible, unlike curious pets that may sniff and nibble plants when exploring their environments. For those with dogs and cats that will spend time
outdoors, it’s best to be aware of these potentially toxic plants, courtesy of the ASPCA, Dr. Buzby’s and Garden Design.
• Autumn crocus: There are various types of crocus plants, but the one most toxic to dogs is autumn crocus. The entire plant is toxic, but the highest concentration of toxic agent is found in the bulbs.
• Sago palm: People in warm climates may enjoy the look of palm trees on their properties. Despite its tropical and relaxing appearance, the Sago palm is extremely poisonous if ingested by pets, with the seeds being the most toxic part.
• Lily: Lilies are highly toxic to cats in particular. Even grooming pollen off of their fur or drinking water out of a vase where lilies are kept may cause kidney failure.
• Tulips and hyacinth: These early bloomers are beautiful flowers, but each contains a similar alkaloid toxin that is mild to moderately toxic to pets. Again, the highest concentration is found in the bulbs, which dogs or cats may dig up while exploring.
• Aloe vera: This soothing succulent may be part of an arid climate landscape. Aloe contains saponin, a toxin with foaming properties that can harm pets if ingested and cause severe dehydration.
• Begonia: A popular outdoor and houseplant, be-
gonia has decorative flowers and attractive leaves. However, the plant can be toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, particularly the underground tubers.
• Azalea: This flowering shrub produces flowers in many colors, so it’s often present in household landscapes. It’s important to note that azaleas can be toxic to dogs and cats.
• Yew: American, Canadian and Japanese yew may be found around properties. These shrubs produce small red berries with green centers (almost looking like the reverse of a Spanish olive with pimento). Yew is toxic to cats and dogs.
• Dahlia: Dahlia produce flowers in different colors, so they are common in flower beds. However, these plants also are mildly toxic to pets. Many toxic plants can irritate the gastrointestinal system in pets, potentially resulting in vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy. Those who suspect a pet has ingested a poisonous plant should contact the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680 or their local veterinarian to learn about how to respond to possible exposure.
Dorian Grey the Cool Cat keeps cool in the shade of some healthy hostas on Wellington St. in Chatham.
Dr. Michael Fife
Dr. Angela Bell ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Pearce named top cop in LaSalle
The Chatham Voice
A well-known Chatham-Kent Police Service (CKPS) inspector is taking on a new role as chief of the LaSalle Police Service (LPS).
Veteran officer Michael Pearce will take on the
leadership role of the 63-member LPS team.
His last day with CKPS is July 28.
According to a media release from LaSalle Mayor Crystal Meloche, chair of the LaSalle Police Services Board, Pearce was selected following a na-
tionwide search to replace retiring Chief Duncan Davies.
Meloche said Pearce impressed the selection committee with his vision for enhancing public safety, strengthening community relations and innovative strategies to address
the evolving changes facing law enforcement,
“As mayor, I am confident that Chief Designate Pearce will continue to uphold our town’s values of integrity, accountability and transparency with the police department,” said Meloche, noting she
looks forward to working with him in the future to ensure safety for the residents of LaSalle.
Pearce brings more than two decades of policing experience to the role with both the Chatham-Kent police and York Regional Police. He currently
serves as the inspector in charge of the CKPS Community Patrol Branch, but has worked across a broad cross section of departments, including patrol, drugs and vice, professional standards, media relations and training and recruitment.
Raise funds, build muscle at Ribfest
The YMCA has a workout plan for you.
the ribs you just ate at Ribfest?
Gather a team of three to five people and push a bus.
The event will take place July 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Chatham Ribfest. Push a bus.
It’s a fundraiser for the Y, which annually has a Fill the Bus CAMPaign designed to raise funds to help ensure that every child, regardless of their financial barriers, can ex-
perience the joy of camp.
They’ve added a fun wrinkle for Ribfest –pushing the bus. Teams will compete to see who can push a school bus along a 100-metre track the fastest. Along the way, teams will help by fundraising to send kids to summer camp. Registration is now open. Entry fee is $200 per team. Teams can pre-register at the front desk of the Y or by visiting ymcaswo.ca/ pushthebus. Participants can also register in person at Chatham Ribfest on July 6. Registration closes July 7 at 10 a.m.
The Chatham Voice
Need a great way to work off some of
The Arts
Program to Spark Joy with seniors
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative
organizers are looking for 10 volunteers to help
Art therapist Krista Schneider and ceramicist Andrea Vuletin (standing) introduced water colour painting to people attending an open house at the Thames Art Gallery last week. The gallery is launching a new program called Spark Joy! to help Chatham-Kent seniors to explore the world of art.
out.
According to gallery co-ordinator Irene MacCreadie, volunteers don’t need to have an extensive art background; they just need have to have an interest in art.
MacCreadie called Spark Joy! a “fun, unpretentious” approach, noting new recruits will be trained for the role.
“We want people to come out and learn a bit more about art,” she said of Spark Joy! for participants and volunteers alike.
Watercolour and acrylic painting, print making and clay hand shaping are among the subjects that may be studied. Art therapist Krista Schneider and ceramicist Andrea Vuletin will also play a role teaching and lending their expertise to develop programs.
Spark Joy! volunteers will also expand their digital experience by creating art appreciation videos and art kits for participants who take part through the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent’s Wallaceburg and Chatham day programs. Volunteers will also help develop a four-week online art series with kits for people across Chatham-Kent who may not be able to access programs in person.
Socializing, research and gallery tours are also on the agenda, she added, in an effort to enhance the art experience.
The grant-funded program hopes to engage participants who are 55plus.
The Thames Art Gallery is located at 75 William St. in Chatham and is fully accessible.
Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice
NOTICE OF A HEARING
Hydro One Networks Inc. has applied for approval to build a high-voltage transmission line in Southwestern Ontario
The application seeks:
• Permission for Hydro One Networks Inc. (HONI) to construct a 230 kilovolt double-circuit transmission line from the Lambton Transformer Station, connecting to the Wallaceburg Transformer Station and ending at the Chatham Switching Station. The approximate length of the transmission line facilities is 64 km.
• Permission for HONI to convert the Wallaceburg Transformer Station from a 115 kilovolt supply to a 230 kilovolt supply to repurpose the existing 115 kV transmission supply line corridor for the new transmission line.
• Approval to complete any associated any station facility expansions or upgrades required at the terminal stations.
• Approval of the forms of agreement that HONI will offer affected landowners.
The OEB hearing is not the only approval process required before a line is built.
Environmental issues, or issues related to the Crown’s duty to consult Indigenous peoples, are not part of the OEB’s review unless there is a direct impact on price and the reliability and quality of electricity service.
A map of the proposed route for the transmission line is provided on the right:
YOU SHOULD KNOW
There are three types of OEB hearings: oral, electronic and written. The applicant has requested a written hearing. If you think a different hearing type is needed, you can write to us to explain why.
During this hearing, we will hear questions and arguments from participants about this case. We will also hear questions and arguments from participants that have registered as Intervenors. After the hearing, we will decide whether to approve the application.
HAVE YOUR SAY
You have the right to information about this application and to participate in the process. Visit www.oeb.ca/notice and use file number EB-2024-0155 to:
• Review the application
• Apply to become an intervenor
• File a letter with your comments IMPORTANT DATES
You must engage with the OEB on or before July 15, 2024 to:
• Provide input on the hearing type (oral, electronic or written)
• Apply to be an intervenor
If you do not, the hearing will move forward without you, and you will not receive any further notice of the proceeding.
PRIVACY
If you write a letter of comment, your name and the content of your letter will be put on the public record and the OEB website. If you are a business or if you apply to become an intervenor, all the information you file will be on the OEB website.
Ontario Energy Board
/TTY: 1 877-632-2727
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM oeb.ca/notice
Hydro one Networks Inc. 1 888-664-9376 Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM - 8:00 PM https://www.hydroone.com
This hearing will be held under sections 28.6.1, 92, 96 and 97 of the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998.
LEARN MORE
Gray’s green thumb put him on bestseller list
By Michael Bennett Local Journalism Initiative The Ridgetown Independent
Rick Gray’s green thumb in the garden is about to turn into some green in his wallet.
The Ridgetown resident’s book, “The Gardener’s Guide to Native Plants of the Southern Great Lakes,” reached No. 4 on the Globe & Mail’s best sellers list for Canadian non-fiction.
“I’m totally blown away by it; I’m still pinching myself,” Gray said about the book’s instant success.
Gray, a.k.a. the Native Plant Gardener, launched his introductory to writing at Turns & Tales Cafe in Chatham in March.
Copies of the book were sold out just 45 minutes into his twohour appearance.
“The response has been overwhelming,” said Gray, as his book has received nothing but five-star reviews on both Am-
azon and Good Reads, along with its lofty place on the Globe & Mail best sellers list.
The 352-page book features 150 different native plants, each with a two-page spread.
Gray offers a detailed description of each plant – its sunlight and moisture requirements, a range map showing where it’s native, how big it grows, whether it’s a species at risk, and more.
Gray had assistance from Shaun Booth, a former natural nursery and landscape business owner in Orangeville, who provided some of the descriptive information on plants.
“On average, there are at least four photos for every one of the 150 plants with a description of what the plant looks like as a whole, what its flower looks like up close, the leaves, and the seed head to help recognize the plant when you see it and get an idea of what it’s going to look like in your garden,” Gray
said.
Gray said he took about 95 per cent of the pictures in his expansive native garden at his Lisgar Street home.
A retired professor, Gray purchased his home in 2004 when he was hired as a GIS tech instructor for the Ridgetown Campus’ new environmental program.
He rented the house out for four years while he held Academic Chair positions at colleges in Brandon, Man. and Peterborough before retiring and moving back to Ridgetown in 2018.
Gray transformed the backyard into a number of gardens with all-native and near-native plants, which attracted attention not only locally but also across Canada and North America.
“Native plant gardening is the fastest growing sector in horticulture; it’s really taking off,”
School board budgets approved
The Lambton Kent District School Board has approved a balanced budget of $369.36 million for the 2024/25 school year.
Board trustees made the approval at a recent regular meeting.
According to a media release, the board’s revenue forecast is based on the Ministry of Education’s Core Education funding formula. Ontario’s education budget is $28.6 billion, which averages $13,852 per student.
Projected enrolment for the LKDSB in the coming year is 21,511 pupils, comprised of 14,580 elementary and 6,931 secondary school students.
The St. Clair Catholic Board passed its budget for the next year recently as well, and will spend $141 million to serve close to 9,000 students in 22
schools. The board expects it will welcome 6,341 elementary and 2,565 high school students in the coming year.
Gray said. “People are looking for local, native plants to feed butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.”
The book is available locally at Turns & Tales, located in the Scotiabank building on King St. W. in Chatham, as well as at Chapters and Indigo bookstores
and online from Amazon. Gray said he will be averaging three appearances a week until mid-June across Ontario and into Michigan. He is also taking bookings for garden tours at his Lisgar Street home by email at ridgetownrick@gmail.com.
Image courtesy The Ridgetown Independent News Rick Gray talks about his new book, The Gardener’s Guide to Native Plants of the Southern Great Lakes, at the Highgate Library recently.
The Chatham Voice
Community Events
Thursday, July 4, 2024:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre at 1:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
• Join us for a fun filled afternoon Jam Session, bring your instruments or singing voices from 1-4:30pm. All are welcome to attend with a $2 donation. 4-7pm: Homemade Panzerotti + Menu available. Merlin Legion, 519-689-4884.
Friday, July 5, 2024:
• Bill’s Place Community Space Drop-In. Come spend some time in a 2SLGBTQIA+ safe space 48 Centre St., Chatham. Hang out, have a coffee, do your homework, ask a question, read a book, or chat about life or what we’ve been working on. Get some clothes from our Out of the Closet program, use the Community cupboard & more! No RSVP needed! Come & go as you please. All ages & allies welcome.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Supper served 4:00-6:00. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are Cabbage Rolls and potatoes or fish & chips, $13.00. Take out is available, call 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. Everyone Welcome.
• Merlin Legion – Join us for our delicious Merlickin Pork Chop Meal, 4:30-7pm. Served with scalloped potatoes or fries, veggies, bun & homemade dessert. Entertainment Musician Dan Knight Duo, 7 – 10pm. 519-689-4884.
Saturday, July 6, 2024:
• Morning Breakfast Program at First Presbyterian Church (corner of Fifth St. and Wellington). A delicious and nutritious breakfast served free of charge from 9:30am-11:00am, serving indoors, no take out. Wheelchair accessible.
• The 2024 Blueberry Social will take place at the Sombra Museum Cultural Centre (3476 St. Clair Pkwy), 1-4pm. Serving fresh blueberry desserts, live music provided by the Clearwater Chordsmen, and view some of our new exhibits. The event has an admission fee of $8 for adults, $3 for children, $2 for preschool and $4 for members.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am-9:30pm. Patio BBQ from 12:00-5:00pm for burgers, cheese burgers, sausage on a bun, hot dogs & fries. Meat draw at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30pm. Entertainment by The Marquis Band 4:30-9:30. Everyone Welcome.
• Chatham Branch Summer Puzzle Swap 10:00am until 11:00pm Meeting Room. Looking to swap out your puzzles that are 500 pieces or more, that are in good condition and not missing any pieces? We ask those that are interested in participating to drop off puzzles Tuesday, July 2 until Friday, July 5 during library hours, to receive a voucher to return on Saturday, July 6 between 10:00 am until 11:00 pm to “shop” for new to you puzzles. Early birds get the best selection. No registration required. All ages are welcome. For more information visit wwww.ckpl.ca/
• Merlin Legion Br. 465 – Join us for our delicious Merlickin Chicken plus menu serving 4:30 to 8 pm (No entertainment). Call 519-689-4884 for details.
Monday, July 8, 2024:
• Wallaceburg Vacation Bible Camp, Mon. July 8 to 12, 2024. 8:30am-12:30 pm. Theme is Deep Sea Discovery. Bible Stories, Games, Crafts, Snacks, Songs, etc. for further information or registration contact 519-627-6325 or 519-627-4367.
• St.Clair Estates Social Club Euchre 1 pm - 9 Dunkirk Street, Chatham.
• Come and play the ancient Chinese game of Mahjong at the library from 3:00pm-4:45pm in the Chatham Branch Meeting Room. Take this opportunity to play Mahjong with family and friends while enjoying our air conditioning! Come learn the basics of Chinese Mahjong or join a group that already is well versed in the game. All playing levels welcome.
Tuesday, July 9, 2024:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am-1:30pm. Today’s special is spaghetti with meat sauce. Euchre at 1:00, evening Shuffleboard or Euchre starting at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.
Wednesday, July 10, 2024:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham ope 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Our daily special is meat loaf dinner. Come check out our other daily specials. Everyone is welcome..
Thursday, July 11, 2024:
• Bill’s Place Community Space Drop-In. 330-630pm. Come spend some time in a 2SLGBTQIA+ safe space 48 Centre St., Chatham. Hang out, have a coffee, do your homework, ask a question, read a book, or chat about life or what we’ve been working on. Get some clothes from our Out of the Closet program, use the Community cupboard & more! No RSVP needed! Come & go as you please. All ages & allies welcome.
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Come check out our daily specials. Senior Euchre starts at 1:00pm. Everyone is welcome.
• Merlin Legion – Join us for a fun filled afternoon – Jam Session – bring your instruments or singing voices from 1-4:30pm. All are welcome to attend. with a donation of $2. 4-7pm: Homemade Panzerotti + Menu available. 519-689-4884.
Friday, July 12, 2024:
• The Chatham Legion, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham open 11:00am–9:30pm. Kitchen open for lunch 11:00am–1:30pm. Supper will be served from 4:00–6:00. No orders after 5:30pm. Tonight’s specials are Chicken Parmesan and potatoes or Fish & Chips, $13.00. Take out is also available by calling 519-351-8733 or 519-351-5639. On the Patio, you will be entertained by Back-to-Back 7pm to 10pm. Everyone is welcome.
Are you affected by someone else’s drinking? Al-anon can help! Call – leave message – 519-350-3462
Alcoholics Anonymous, we can help! Information Line 519-360-5246.
Send your events to bruce@chathamvoice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com
Fun Stuff
Partner to carrots CLUES DOWN
Mounted
Assign
Wrath
CLUES ACROSS
1. Six (Spanish)
5. Invests in little enterprises
9. Large dung beetle
11. Gored
13. Partially paralyzed 15. Still a little wet 16. Legal field media company
17. Not working 19. 500 sheets of paper
21. Church structure 22. Sheep disease 23. Small drink of whiskey 25. Weaving tradition 26. Pestilence
27. Body part 29. Nabs
31. Places to stay
33. Witnesses
34. Looked for
36. Arranges
38. Political action committee
39. Middle eastern nation (alt. sp.)
41. Hair-like structure
43. Parts producer
44. Greek city
46. Subway dwellers
48. Norm from “Cheers”
52. Clean a floor
53. Vied for
54. Canned fish
56. Inspire with love
57. Sent down moisture
58. Wrest
Self-immolation by fire ritual 5. Parts of an organism 6. Person from England 7. Tropical plants of the pea family 8. Body part 9. Practice boxing 10. Containers 11. Contrary beliefs 12. Bleached 14. Pre-Islamic Egyptian 15. A group of similar things ordered one after another 18. Innermost spinal cord membranes
20. Cassava 24. A restaurant’s list of offerings
26. Annoy constantly 28. Orchestrate
30. Z Z Z
32. Astute
34. Highly decorated tea urn
35. Teach to behave
37. Endurance
38. Urinating
40. Barbie friend dolls
42. Repents
43. Man-eating giant
45. Jewish calendar month
47. Accelerated
49. Husband of Sita in Hindu
50. Lump of semiliquid substance
51. Lying in wait 55. Cease to exist
Puzzle answers found on page 27
Business
$35M expansion at Martinrea
By Michael Bennett Local Journalism Initiative The Ridgetown Independent
Martinrea International Inc. is expanding its Ridgetown plant to house a new stamping press. Martinrea announced the nearly $35 million expansion to its 100,000-square-foot facility on June 6.
The new SIMPAC 3000 metric ton stamping press will allow the production of larger and more complex parts, including body-in-white components, battery enclosures and chassis parts.
It will also enhance production efficiency and quality, minimizing waste and energy consumption.
The Ridgetown plant, established in 1987 and acquired by Martinrea in 2006, currently employs approximately 150 people and produces several metal stampings and welded assemblies for the automotive industry.
“It further expands our capabilities as a global supplier in Canada and prepares us for future growth opportunities.”
The plant is one of Martinrea’s 56 locations across 10 countries, serving the global automotive industry.
“We are proud to expand operations, build quality products and increase services for our customers with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent,” said Don Gillier, general manager of Martinrea Ridgetown. “This investment will continue to create opportunities for our employees and their families, ensuring a bright future for all.”
The project is expected to be completed early in 2025.
The addition to the Ridgetown facility is a part of Martinrea’s strategy to expand its presence and capabilities in the North American market, addressing the increasing demand for lightweight, high-strength metal solutions in the automotive industry.
“This expansion demonstrates our commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction,” said Pat D’Eramo, chief executive officer of Martinrea International Inc.
“We thank our employees, customers, and the local community, who have been instrumental in our success,”
D’Eramo said.
Martinrea is a diversified and global automotive supplier engaged in designing, developing and manufacturing highly engineered, value-added lightweight structures and propulsion systems.
The company is a leader in de-
veloping and producing quality metal parts, assemblies and modules, fluid management systems, and complex aluminum products focused primarily on the automotive sector.
Martinrea currently employs more than 19,000 people and operates in 56 locations in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Slovakia, Spain, China, South Africa and Japan.
Bike for Hospice
Jeff Thibert and Van Hoof Siding are in the middle of an effort to raise $10,000 for the Chatham-Kent Hospice.
Thibert will bike 1,000 kilometres in 75 hours in this fundrais-
ing effort. His journey begins July 4.
To donate, contact Van Hoof Siding at 519-354-0368 or visit the website chathamkenthospice.com and click on the “Donate” button.
All donations of $10 or more are eligible for an income tax receipt.
Certified Collision Care
CSN Chatham has been officially Certified by Certified Collision Care, a division of OEC, for maintaining the right tools, equipment, training, and facilities necessary to repair
participating automaker brand vehicles according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
In achieving their certification, CSN Chatham is now an integral part of the most advanced repair capable and efficient certified repair network in the country, according to a press release.
Adding to their credentials, CSN Chatham is officially certified by Certified Collision Care, Fiat Chrysler (Mopar), Ford, Genesis, Honda & Acura ProFirst, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota.
Image courtesy Google Maps
Martinrea recently announced a $35-million expansion is in the works to its Ridgetown facility.
OBITUARIES
Ralph McEachran
91, Thursday, June 20, 2024
McKinlay Funeral Home
Nick Legary
76, Sunday, June 23, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home
Dorothy Ellis
102, Monday, June 24, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home
David Kevin McCann
63, Tuesday, June 25, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home
Patricia Horton
85, Tuesday, June 25, 2024
McKinlay Funeral Home
Ben Benoit
83, Wednesday, June 26, 2024
McKinlay Funeral Home
Frances Harvey
94, Thursday, June 20, 2024 McKinlay Funeral Home
Debbie VanSickle
Friday, June 21, 2024 Life Transitions
Michael Frak
65, Saturday, June 22, 2024 Life Transitions
Helen Labombard
93, Sunday, June 23, 2024 Nicholls Funeral Home
Johanna Houweling
88, Wednesday, June 26, 2024 Blenheim Funeral Home
Helen Marie Zimmer
Sunday, June 23, 2024
Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home
Gary Heyink
77, Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Kendrick Funeral Home
Lloyd Dynes
67, Saturday, June 22, 2024
Kendrick Funeral Home
Wilhelm Peters
76, Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Kendrick Funeral Home
Aganetha Harder
63, Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Kendrick Funeral Home
Roy Anderson
88, Saturday, June 22, 2024
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Willem “Bill” Bouwmeester
86, Monday, June 24, 2024
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Carol Lee
82, Monday, June 24, 2024
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Darlene Rose Mary Lunn
75, Sunday, June 23, 2024
Badder Funeral Home
Kauko Allan Maki
73, Thursday, June 20, 2024
Badder Funeral Home
Guillermo Dyck Unger
41, Monday, June 24 2024
Badder Funeral Home
Visit us: badderfuneralhome.com
John C. Badder Funeral Home
Thamesville - 519-692-4222
Badder Funeral Home & Reception Centre
Dresden - 519-683-4444
Badder & Robinson Funeral Home
Bothwell - 519-695-2716
Business/News
45 years in business for Kearney Planters
By Michael Bennett Local Journalism Initiative The Ridgetown
Independent
Kearney Planters celebrated its 45th anniversary recently.
The company held an open house at its Turin Line location
Guests were able to meet suppliers and view products from their many dealers and Kearney’s modified planters.
Barry Kearney founded his namesake company in February of 1979 when he could not find a particular piece of equipment on the market.
Kearney modified his own planter, which caught the attention of neighbouring farmers.
“He was having trouble finding a planter to do what he wanted, so he modified a planter,” said Chris Lambier, director of business development at Kearney. “The neighbours saw it, and they all said, ‘Wow, if you can do that, can you do this for me?’”
Lambier said the major brand companies were unable to produce planters at a reasonable price to meet farmers’ needs.
“You had to have a grain drill, or you had to have a corn planter or just a bean planter,” he said. “Barry designed a planter that can do both corn and beans out of
the same machine, so you don’t have to buy two separate machines.”
The business progressed over the years, and along with modifying equipment, Kearney began selling brand-name products.
Kearney Planters is a major dealer for Kinze, Vaderstad and Drago, and over 50 aftermarket brands.
Along with selling new and used products, Kearney’s experts design and custom-build equipment to meet the individual farmer’s needs.
“If you had a John Deere when buying John Deere row units, and we modify your planter for the extra rows and offset them so you can do six rows of corn at 30 inches wide or 11 rows of beans at 15 inches wide,” Lambier said.
Kearney’s experienced staff provides education and technical support for its products as each planter is field-tested before being shipped.
Along with sales, Kearney also specializes in hydraulic repair, planter setup, and service for mechanical, electronic, and automated planters of any make or model.
The parts department is well stocked with aftermarket and genuine parts for all agricultural needs, which can be shipped across Canada.
The service department provides full coverage during farming season and can go straight to the field to make repairs to replace parts.
Kearney also keeps up with the evolution of farming with innovative hydraulics, GPS and high-tech electronic services.
Kearney initially set up a shop on the family’s Howard Twp. farm before purchasing the land to build the facility at 14232 Turin Line in 1984.
The building has undergone several expansions to its present state with a showroom, service bays, parts room and business offices.
Kearney has 23 employees, including administration, management, office staff, salespersons, mechanics, fabricators, meter testing and hydraulics.
Kearney Planters is located at 14232 Turin Line, just east of Glassford Road between Kenesserie Road and Orford Road.
• Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in The Chatham Voice that highlights some of the achievements made and efforts underway in Chatham-Kent’s business community. Send your information to bruce@ chathamvoice.com.
Victim, suspects named in murder
On June 4, police arrested and charged two Chatham men, Jeffrey Davis, 44, and David Lozon, 59, with first-degree murder and indignity to a dead body.
Police have arrested a third person in connection to a murder in Chatham in early June, as well as the names of the accused and the woman killed.
On June 3, Chatham-Kent police began investigating the death of Louise Thomson, 27, of Milton. Her body was found at a William Street residence in Chatham.
On June 26, a woman of no fixed address was arrested in Windsor in connection with the crime.
Sky-Linn Holden, 23, is also charged with first-degree murder and indignity to a dead body.
Police say the investigation is ongoing and officers are working to identify all persons involved in this targeted incident. Anyone with information that may be relevant to the investigation is asked to contact Sgt. Cole Abbott at 519-436-6600 ext. 80262 or colea@chatham-kent.ca. You can provide information anonymously by submitting a tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
The Chatham Voice
Classifieds
In Memoriam In Memoriam
Dan Toth
June 28, 2013
I’m sending a dove to Heaven with a parcel on its wings. Be careful when you open it, it’s full of beautiful things.
Inside are a million kisses wrapped up in a million hugs to say how much I miss you and to send you all my love. I hold you close within my heart and there you will remain to walk with me throughout my life until we meet again. Always loved and remembered,
Carol
Dan Toth - June 28, 2013
My Dad If I could write a story, It would be the greatest ever told. I’d write about my daddy, For he had a heart of gold. My dad, he was no hero, Known around the world. He was everything to me, For I was his baby girl. Love & Miss You!
Tammy
Summer Camp ages 7 and up and ages 4-6 Little Britches. Monday to Friday 9am-4pm. Horsemanship lessons, horseback/pony riding, outdoor games, scavenger hunts, crafts, outdoor farm fun, water games and Camp Achievement Day to finish off the week, with family members welcome to attend. Register your child today, while opening are available. $499 per week plus tax per camper. Call 519-354-7517.
you’re invited to 90th Birthday Open House
Saturday, July 13, 2024 From 2 - 4pm Links of Kent Golf Course 120 Indian Creek Rd. W. Chatham
Photography
Steel trailer, tandem wheels, box 5 1/2’ x 8’, tires and trailer in excellent condition. Also, Pro lift lawnmower jack, 8’ aluminum step ladder and 16’ aluminum extension ladder. In Chatham 519-7847004.
24’ 5th wheel frame, 2 axles. $1000. Call 519-397-2337.
Wanted
Wanted to rent or buy 1 or 4 acres of land in Chatham-Kent area. No buildings or utilities needed. Rural area preferred. 519-3525414 or 226-6275414.
Large unframed wall mount mirror. (77.5” x 37.25”), good condition, minor marks, $35. Also, one lot of approx. 600 pieces of reclaimed red brick, most are cleaned of cement, some in halves or chipped, $185. Call 519-777-4815.
Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/ Holidays. Ready-to-go. Many colours available. $40. 519-354-3411
Wanted
Sale For Sale For Sale
Special Wedding Day Rates. Indoor/ outdoor/park/hall/ church or even on a boat. We’re at your service - FULL DAY - within 50km radius of Chatham. Over 60 photos taken, you choose the best 20 only. $200. tax included. Ask for Regina, Creative Director. 226.229.2751.
Wanted to Buy: Antiques, costume jewellery, gold, silver, coins, military, furniture, tools. We Buy All - Paid Cash. 519-727-8894.
6’ x 7’ Ski-doo trailer new lights & wiring, tilt bed. $500. Phone 226337-1923.
3 wheeled trike with padded seat & basket. No rust, very well taken care of. Extra parts also. $350 obo. Can be seen at 699 Gregory Drive., Chatham.
Door to Door Delivery in Chatham and in convenient pick up location throughout Chatham-Kent
Chatham: Anne’s Smoke Shop, Downtown Chatham Centre, Legion Branch 628, Maple City Bakery, Loads of Love, Active Lifestyle Centre, Wimpys, Royal LePage, Pharmasave, Schinkels, Lenovers, Betty Brite, Real Canadian Superstore, Hasty Market, Library
Wallaceburg: Shoppers Drug Mart, 99.1CKXS, Taylor’s Variety, Black Goose, No Frills, Hometown Deli, Library
Dresden: MacTavish Pharmacy, Godfathers, Dresden Meat Packers, Library
Thamesville: Fast & Fresh, Movie Den, Studio 519, Library
Blenheim: McIntyre I.D.A. Pharmacy, Jim’s Barber Shop, Blenheim Seniors Centre, Blenheim Variety, Blenheim Municipal Service Centre, Library
Erieau: Eau Buoy, Bayside Brew Pub Pain Court: Pain Court Market, Central Tavern
Mitchell’s Bay: Mitchell’s Bay Variety, Dover Duds Merlin: Merlin General Store, Library
Tilbury: Ashley’s Place, Library Charing Cross: Post Office/Bert’s Plumbing
Wheatley: Circle K Store, Jack’s Restaurant, Library
Bothwell: Library Highgate: Library Ridgetown: Library
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Summer Camp
