• Public meeting an update on pushback on proposed landfill near Dresden

    Public meeting an update on pushback on proposed landfill near Dresden
    The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is holding a public meeting to discuss ongoing efforts to push back against a proposed waste and landfill project by York1 Environmental Waste Solutions Inc. near Dresden.The meeting will be held Wednesday, June 24 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Ken Houston Agricultural Centre, at 1212 North St. in Dresden.There has been strong public opposition to York1’s plans for an eight-hectare (20-acre) landfill with 1.62 million cubic metres of waste capacity and a ma
  • CK VOTES: Chad Carnie running for council in Ward 2 South East Kent

    CK VOTES: Chad Carnie running for council in Ward 2 South East Kent
    Name: Chad CarnieAge: 38Ward: 2 Why are you running for council? I feel that it would be more productive to be the person who represents the people of Ward 2 rather than just voting for one. As a lifetime Ward 2 resident it’s important to me that our area is seen and heard. This is my home, I love it, and I’ll treat it with respect. What are some important issues you plan to address if elected? I would like council to focus more on revenue-generating projects. Over the last few year
  • Chatham's do Forno named to Portuguese Canadian Walk of Fame

    Chatham's do Forno named to Portuguese Canadian Walk of Fame
    Antonio do Forno, who worked tirelessly for the Portuguese Canadian community in Chatham and beyond all his life, has been inducted to the Portuguese Canadian Walk of Fame.Do Forno, who died Oct. 12, 2025 at age 90, was inducted posthumously in the builder category at a ceremony this month.Walk founder Manuel DaCosta said do Forno left a legacy of “community spirit of community building” and was a man “who never stopped thinking of others and working for others.”Do Forno
  • Council moves ahead with housing strategy

    Council moves ahead with housing strategy
    To help capitalize on senior government funding, Chatham-Kent councillors voted to move ahead with the strategic housing action plan.While no spending was approved on Monday, council adopted the 2026–2050 plan as the municipality’s long‑term framework, with recommendations referred to the 2027 budget update, 2028-2031 multi-year budget, long-term asset management plan and reports to council for further review and approvals.“This approach ensures council retains full cont
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  • Heat warning issued for Chatham-Kent, could last to Saturday

    Heat warning issued for Chatham-Kent, could last to Saturday
    A heat warning has been issued by Environment Canada that could last until Saturday.Maximum temperatures are expected to be near 31 C, while minimum temperatures are expected to be near 21 C and Humidex values will be between 36 and 40 C, said a media release from Chatham-Kent Public Health.In high temperatures and humidity, your body may not be able to cool properly which can lead to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke, the health unit warned.Symptoms of heat-related illness may include: rapid
  • Ontario chambers of commerce bring economic priorities to Queen’s Park

    Ontario chambers of commerce bring economic priorities to Queen’s Park
    The Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce joined other chambers from the region and across the province at Queen’s Park to deliver a message to the Ontario government on the economy.During the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 advocacy day on June 2 a united, non-partisan message was delivered: Ontario’s future prosperity depends on practical action to strengthen the competitiveness of businesses, workers and communities stated a joint media release from the Chatham-Kent, Leamingt
  • Record number of babies born at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance

    Record number of babies born at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance
    It’s been a record year for births at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.The Women and Children’s Program recorded 931 births in the past year, a significant increase from 866 births in 2024 and 781 the year before, “reflecting steady growth in the Chatham-Kent community,” said a health alliance media release.The busy year saw peak activity during September and October, the months with the most deliveries, the release said.Hospital staff have seen an increasing number of f
  • Chatham-Kent council pauses tender to hear other vision for Sandys Street property

    Chatham-Kent council pauses tender to hear other vision for Sandys Street property
    With more information coming to light about a possible operator of a treatment and recovery centre, Chatham-Kent council voted to hold a previously approved design tender and hear an alternative vision for the 110 Sandys St. property.Last month, council approved a nearly $500,000 proposal from Architecttura Inc. for design tendering and contract administration for supportive housing at the Meadow Park long-term care facility.In fall 2024, council voted to acquire the building, and in April 2025
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  • CK VOTES: Chris Young running for council in Ward 5 Wallaceburg and Area

    CK VOTES: Chris Young running for council in Ward 5 Wallaceburg and Area
    Name: Chris YoungAge: 58Ward: 5 Why are you running for council? I am running for council because our community is at a critical crossroads. Residents and local businesses are facing rising costs, increasing property taxes, and growing pressure on household budgets. At the same time, we continue to see infrastructure backlogs and project delays that impact daily life in Wallaceburg and across Chatham-Kent. I believe we can do better. I am stepping forward to bring a disciplined, results-driven
  • ER doctor's sex trial hears from alleged child victim

    ER doctor's sex trial hears from alleged child victim
    An emergency room doctor’s trial on sex charges heard from an alleged child victim Monday.Robert Nathanial Wismer, 44, has pleaded not guilty to three counts each of sexual assault, sexual interference and invitation to sexual touching involving individuals younger than 16 in connection with alleged incidents between Aug. 29 and Oct. 12, 2024.There is a publication ban in place protecting the identity of the alleged victims.Court has heard two incidents allegedly occurred when a child had
  • Pair charged after man, woman clash: Chatham-Kent police

    Pair charged after man, woman clash: Chatham-Kent police
    Two people face charges after a man and woman clashed, Chatham-Kent police say.Witnesses told officers responding to a disturbance call in Chatham about 8 p.m. Saturday they’d seen a woman assaulted by a man, police said.The woman gave officers a false identity when she was found hiding in a residence, police said. Investigation revealed the woman had assaulted and threatened to kill the man.A Chatham-Kent woman, 18, is charged with assault, uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm,
  • Special performance will mark Hansen's musical journey

    Special performance will mark Hansen's musical journey
    Acclaimed Chatham pianist Devon Hansen will take the audience along his musical journey during a performance at St. Andrew’s United Church on June 13.The concert, I’m Still Standing, will cap off this year’s Saturdays at 7 series. Through music and storytelling, Hansen will explore the experiences, relationships and opportunities he’s had during his career.“Everyone has songs that mark the chapters of their lives,” he said in a release. “The music that
  • Special guest coming to Wallaceburg screening of The Coalition

    Special guest coming to Wallaceburg screening of The Coalition
    A Wallaceburg screening of the locally-produced documentary, The Coalition, that sheds light on intimate partner violence and human trafficking, will include a special guest.Chatham filmmakers Karissa and Kat Strain said Dan Jennings, who tells the story of his daughter Caitlin Jennings murder in the documentary, will be attending when the film is shown on Thursday in the Jeanne Gordon Hall at the Wallaceburg & District Museum at 505 King St.“We’ll definitely open up the floor f
  • Chatham-Kent residents telling stories of overcoming the odds

    Chatham-Kent residents telling stories of overcoming the odds
    Steve Bottrill knows what it’s like to overcome great odds after surviving a spectacular motor vehicle crash 30 years go.And he’s been asked to share his story many times, that included being in a coma while on a ventilator after suffering a brain injury, but able to hear a conversation about harvesting his organs.But, the Chatham man also knows there are numerous inspirational stories of overcoming the odds achieved by people, including many from Chatham-Kent.Bottrill is teaming up
  • Beating the odds and telling the tale: Inspiring benefit set for Chatham

    Beating the odds and telling the tale: Inspiring benefit set for Chatham
    Steve Bottrill knows what it’s like to overcome great odds after surviving a spectacular motor vehicle crash 30 years go.And he’s been asked to share his story many times, that included being in a coma while on a ventilator after suffering a brain injury, but able to hear a conversation about harvesting his organs.But, the Chatham man also knows there are numerous inspirational stories of overcoming the odds achieved by people, including many from Chatham-Kent.Bottrill is teaming up
  • Volunteer-run health clinic to operate at Hope Haven to serve homeless

    Volunteer-run health clinic to operate at Hope Haven to serve homeless
    Chatham Hope Haven is partnering with volunteer healthcare professionals to provide easy access to healthcare to homeless clients it serves.General manager Loree Bailey said starting Saturday, June 20, Hope Haven will begin offering a free nurse practitioner-led clinic, called Hope to Health, that will focus on the unique health needs of the homeless community, including general health assessment, wound care, nutrition, mental health, referrals and “a plethora of other resource navigation
  • First Cars & Coffee event of year attracts impressive cars, big crowd

    First Cars & Coffee event of year attracts impressive cars, big crowd
    Hundreds of classic vehicles rolled into RM Auto Restoration near Blenheim for first Cars & Coffee event of the year.The beautiful weather Saturday also attracted hundreds of people to see the beautiful vehicles on display for free and enjoy some complimentary coffee and doughnuts.And there was no shortage of impressive vehicles.Chatham resident Nelson Praill brought his 1966 Thunderbird convertible with a 428 V-8 engine retractable top.Noting there were just over 5,000 made, he said, &ldqu
  • Cars and Coffee returns with impressive cars, big crowd

    Cars and Coffee returns with impressive cars, big crowd
    Hundreds of classic vehicles rolled into RM Auto Restoration near Blenheim for this year’s first Cars & Coffee event.Beautiful weather Saturday drew hundreds of people to see impressive vehicles on show and free and enjoy complimentary coffee and doughnuts.Chatham’s Nelson Praill brought his 1966 Thunderbird convertible with a 428 V-8 engine — one of just more than 5,000 ever made, he said. “You don’t see them very often, they’re kind of rare.”He bo
  • Chamber announces Business Excellence Award recipients

    Chamber announces Business Excellence Award recipients
    The Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce has announced the recipients for this year’s Business Excellence Awards.Recognizing the achievements and contributions of local businesses and leaders, the ceremony took place Thursday night at the Chatham Capitol Theatre.“(The) Business Excellence Awards brought our purpose to life — celebrating the businesses and leaders who are engaging, empowering, and inspiring others while creating lasting impact across Chatham-Kent,” chamber ch
  • Inaugural Battle of the Badges raises over $14,000

    Inaugural Battle of the Badges raises over $14,000
    With first responders from all sectors taking part, the inaugural Battle of the Badges raised about $14,000 for Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers.Taking place at the Rondeau Rod and Gun Club, the event brought together teams from across Chatham-Kent in what organizers believe is the first event of its kind in Ontario.“For a first-time event, the response from our partner agencies and sponsors was beyond anything we could have hoped for,” Erica McIntosh, Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers co-ordi
  • CK VOTES: Karen Montgomery running for council in Ward 6 North West Chatham

    CK VOTES: Karen Montgomery running for council in Ward 6 North West Chatham
    Name: Karen MontgomeryAge : 66Ward: 6 Why are you running for council? In 2028, Chatham-Kent will celebrate 30 years of amalgamation. However, I don’t believe most would consider it a celebration. We certainly have had strong opposition over the years. However, these past few years something has changed and not for the better. The spiritual temperature has changed; people have become very critical of the governance. Anger, hostility, and lack of trust is very evident.Division has become t
  • CK VOTES: Ryan Gow announces mayoral campaign

    CK VOTES: Ryan Gow announces mayoral campaign
    The upcoming Chatham-Kent mayoral race has another challenger.Ryan Gow, a lifelong resident of Chatham-Kent and supply chain professional with more than a decade of experience in logistics and operations management, recently filed his papers to seek the top job.Gow said he is running because he believes the municipality has “tremendous potential and requires practical leadership” focused on economic growth, fiscal responsibility, infrastructure renewal and long-term planning.“
  • Home sales drop year over year, but monthly trends strong: Realtors association

    Home sales drop year over year, but monthly trends strong: Realtors association
    While Chatham-Kent home sales were slow in May compared to last year, monthly trends remain strong, a local realtor association says.The number of homes sold through the MLS system of the Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors totalled 123 units in May, a 17.4 per cent drop from the same month last year.Home sales were 8.6 per cent below the five-year average and 13.4 per cent below the 10-year average for the month.On a year-to-date basis, home sales totalled 478 over the first five months. This
  • Councillor motion proposes relocation of Fergie statue to ballpark

    Councillor motion proposes relocation of Fergie statue to ballpark
    Nearly three years after it was unveiled outside the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre, a South Kent councillor’s motion proposes relocating the Fergie Jenkins statue to the ballpark.On Monday, Coun. Ryan Doyle will enter the motion, which states Fergie Jenkins Field at Rotary Park is now fenced in and has cameras.His motion, as part of the agenda released Thursday, noted “people would like to see the statue at the Fergie Jenkins ball diamond, where it truly belongs.”The piece is a fu
  • Medical students receive hands-on learning at CKHA

    Medical students receive hands-on learning at CKHA
    Chatham-Kent Health Alliance set the scene this week, providing an up close and interactive experience for students from the Schulich school of medicine and dentistry at Western University.Discovery week, now in its 28th year, places first-year medical students in health-care settings across Southwestern Ontario.Twenty students at CKHA were paired with physicians across a range of specialties, shadowing various teams throughout the hospital.Also offered were skills-based learning sessions, such
  • Med students receive hands-on learning at CKHA

    Med students receive hands-on learning at CKHA
    Chatham-Kent Health Alliance set the scene this week, providing an up close and interactive experience for students from the Schulich school of medicine and dentistry at Western University.Discovery week, now in its 28th year, places first-year medical students in health-care settings across Southwestern Ontario.Twenty students at CKHA were paired with physicians across a range of specialties, shadowing various teams throughout the hospital.Also offered were skills-based learning sessions, such
  • CKHA wait times progressing, remaining higher than pre-pandemic levels

    CKHA wait times progressing, remaining higher than pre-pandemic levels
    Although Chatham-Kent Health Alliance’s emergency department has seen modest improvements in wait times in recent years, they remain higher than pre-pandemic levels. According to data provided by the hospital group, there have been slight drops in some wait time categories during the last three years, but they are still all at least 20 per cent above levels from the 2019-’20 fiscal year. From 2019-’20 to 2025-’26, the length of stay for admitted patients increased to 25.
  • Police seize $30K in suspected drugs

    Police seize $30K in suspected drugs
    Police seized $30,000 in suspected drugs during a search of two Chatham residences this week.On Tuesday, members of the Chatham-Kent Police Service intelligence unit obtained search warrants under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.“The warrants were issued as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected drug trafficking involving fentanyl and cocaine,” police said in a release.During a search at a residence on McNaughton Avenue East, eight individuals, ranging in age from 2
  • 'A true gentleman': Former councillor Brian King remembered as 'straight shooter'

    'A true gentleman': Former councillor Brian King remembered as 'straight shooter'
    No matter the hot button issue, Chatham-Kent councillors could always count on Brian King to be a calm, steady force around the horseshoe.A resident of Jeannette’s Creek, King died Saturday at Riverview Gardens with family at his side, just days before his 74th birthday.He was a lifelong farmer and municipal councillor for Tilbury East, as well as the ward of West Kent post-amalgamation, for 24 years before stepping away from politics in 2014.Former South Kent councillor Art Stirling serv
  • CK VOTES: Rick Nicholls running for council in Ward 8 South Chatham

    CK VOTES: Rick Nicholls running for council in Ward 8 South Chatham
    Name : Rick NichollsAge : ExperiencedWard: 8 Why are you running for council? I was born and raised in Chatham, married to my wife, Dianne, for 49 years and together we raised three children. CK must offer more in terms of employment opportunities and create ways to make it affordable for future generations to buy a home, have good-paying jobs and raise a healthy family. I want to see my community thrive and not just survive. What are some important issues you plan to address if elected? I beli

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