• Two people charged with assault, assault with weapon

    Two people charged with assault, assault with weapon
    Two people face charges after an altercation Monday night.Two individuals were involved in the altercation at a Chatham residence at approximately 8:21 p.m., when one threatened the other with a knife.A 24-year-old Chatham man was arrested and charged with assault and assault with a weapon. He was later released with conditions and a court date.A 19-year-old Chatham woman also was arrested and charged with assault and assault with a weapon. She was held for bail. Vehicle catches fire after deer
  • 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
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  • '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
  • Trial underway for ER physician facing sex charges

    Trial underway for ER physician facing sex charges
    After a delay earlier this year, the trial for an emergency room physician facing multiple sex charges involving two minors is underway.Robert Nathanial Wismer, 44, appeared in person Monday, when he was arraigned on the charges, pleading not guilty to each of them.According to previously published reports, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) posted on its website Wismer was charged on Oct. 14, 2024 with three counts each of sexual assault, sexual interference and invitatio
  • CK Pride remembers Bill, as friends share stories from his life

    CK Pride remembers Bill, as friends share stories from his life
    Those who knew him well remember how Bill Brokenshire always had a biting wit, but also a heart of gold and passion for helping people be their authentic selves.The namesake for Bill’s Place in Chatham, several of his friends from Toronto and Vancouver were on hand Saturday to share stories and answer questions from the gathering.Serving as the hub for CK Pride, located at 48 Centre St. in Chatham, the space is geared to the LGBTQ community, supporting drop-ins, programming and various ev
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  • Pre-trial for historic sexual assault case moved to July at defence lawyer’s request

    Pre-trial for historic sexual assault case moved to July at defence lawyer’s request
    The next court appearance for a British Columbia man facing historic sexual assault charges has been moved to July after the defendant’s lawyer told Chatham court she is still receiving disclosure from the Crown. Jason Timothy Davidson, 53, of Campbell River, B.C., appeared in a Chatham court by video Monday. Defence lawyer Julie Santarossa said the disclosure she has received “is in volumes and we are still getting it.” She said a pre-trial date was set for June 18, but reque
  • Chatham rockers, part of acclaimed band Howzat, playing rare hometown gig

    Chatham rockers, part of acclaimed band Howzat, playing rare hometown gig
    The London-based rock band Howzat, featuring two Chatham natives, will soon hit the stage at The Fortress Tavern X.Local resident Eric Broadbent, lead guitarist in the band, said Howzat is bringing in Windsor band Orion Sons as a special guest for a show on June 13.“We don’t play Chatham very often so it’s kind of a big show for us,” said Broadbent.Noting Chatham native Jerad (J-Rad) Sterling is Howzat’s “phenomenal drummer,” he said, “All our guy
  • Artist Studio Tour draws crowds throughout Chatham-Kent

    Artist Studio Tour draws crowds throughout Chatham-Kent
    With more artists and venues this time around, the Artist Studio Tour continues to grow in Chatham-Kent.Presented by the CK Arts Council on Saturday and Sunday, the event featured 57 artists exhibiting solo or in 25 artist hubs, two galleries and one creative hub.Works ranged from music and film to photography and visual art.Vicki McFarland, a visual artist who chairs the organizing committee, was pleased with the turnout.“This is the largest tour to date. … It’s really doing
  • PHOTOS: Perfect weather for Kinsmen Fair weekend

    PHOTOS: Perfect weather for Kinsmen Fair weekend
    The forecast couldn’t have been better for the 21st annual Chatham Kinsmen Fair, taking place on the grounds of Memorial Arena this weekend.World’s Finest Shows is featuring a variety of rides, along with games and a selection of food vendors.Visitors are encouraged to bring a food item that will be matched by the Kinsmen and donated to the local food bank.There also are artisan vendors, and four interactive jugglers performing hand balancing, contortion and partner aerobatics.TJ St
  • Dresden youth centre buys former bank building for hub

    Dresden youth centre buys former bank building for hub
    Dresden Sidestreets Youth Centre has purchased the former TD Bank building in the community, with plans to transform the space into a new hub.It will serve youth, families and the broader community, with youth drop-in programming the first initiative launched. Future plans include community events, family activities, workshops, meetings, senior activities and partnerships with local organizations.“This is an exciting and meaningful step forward for our organization and for the community,&
  • Several councillors raise questions on waste to energy project

    Several councillors raise questions on waste to energy project
    With Chatham-Kent council approving the waste to energy project in April, several councillors say they still have questions with the listed scope in the recent application to the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO).However, municipal officials maintain the project remains the same as previously presented.Chatham councillors Alysson Storey, Michael Bondy and Amy Finn, and North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville, who all voted in opposition, were on hand for a media conference near the Bloomfield
  • New scenes added to premiere for A Long Ride Home, filmed in Chatham-Kent

    New scenes added to premiere for A Long Ride Home, filmed in Chatham-Kent
    The creators of the TV series A Long Ride Home, filmed in Chatham-Kent and currently showing on Bell Fibe TV1, are hosting a red carpet premiere this summer that will feature extra footage.The six episodes of the series with a biker club storyline began as a movie screenplay.“We’ve stitched it back together as a movie” for the July 18 premiere, being screened at the Chatham Capitol Theatre, said Robert Bellamy, writer, director and a producer on the project.The premiere will f
  • Studio art tour slated for this weekend

    Studio art tour slated for this weekend
    Presented by the CK Arts Council, the Artist Studio Tour returns this weekend with more artists, venues and disciplines.The event, on Saturday and Sunday, will feature 55 artists exhibiting solo or in 25 artist hubs, two galleries and one creative hub, featuring work ranging from music and film to photography and all types of visual art.Hubs bring together artists working in complementary or contrasting styles and mediums, allowing attendees to experience a range of work.There will be participa
  • Old friends team up for stories and songs

    Old friends team up for stories and songs
    Two old friends, hailing from the same Southwestern Ontario hometown, will bring a collaborative entertainment experience to Turns and Tales in downtown Chatham on May 31.Short story writer John Gardiner and singer/songwriter Richard Knechtel grew up just blocks apart in Hanover.They will present Stories and Songs, a blend of words and music, for the gathering, which will be an intimate and engaging performance.Gardiner and Knechtel have taken the stage together numerous times during the years
  • CK Votes: Brian F. Machado running for council in Ward 6 North West Chatham

    Name: Brian F. MachadoAge: 46Ward: Ward 6 Why are you running for council? I am running because I care deeply about Chatham-Kent and the people who call it home.I’m an everyday working man who has spent the last 25 years serving this community through business, employment, and community involvement. Chatham-Kent has given so much to me and my family, and I want the opportunity to give even more back. What are some important issues you plan to address if elected? Although I am running in W
  • C-K Votes: Zac Nicholson running for council in Ward 5 Wallaceburg & Area

    Name: Zac NicholsonAge: 28Ward: 5 Why are you running for council? I want to be a strong voice for Ward 5’s younger generation. They are the future of our municipality, yet they have been historically under represented at the municipal level. I am running to change that and ensure their perspectives are heard. What are some important issues you plan to address if elected? Ward 5 residents are tired of watching significant municipal investments in economic development, housing, and infrast
  • CK Votes: Marc King running for council in Ward 7 North East Chatham

    Name: Marc KingAge: 59Ward: 7 Why are you running for council? I have decided to run as the need for change is at a pivotal point in our municipality. We need to start addressing complex issues that require financially sustainable solutions. Taxpayers are overburdened by being asked to fund infrastructure issues and projects that most don’t understand because of complicated language.We need to better understand where our hard earned dollars are going. What are some important issues you pl
  • Still cool vehicles with great stories at rain-dampened RetroFest

    Rain may have drastically limited the number of vehicles on display Saturday during RetroFest in downtown Chatham, but some cool vehicles with great stories were still to be found.At first glance, Frank Burggraff’s 1989 Dodge Ramcharger may not seem out of the ordinary.But, it is the modifications you don’t immediately see that makes it special.The Pain Court man said the vehicle has Dana 60 axles, a four-wheel drive with a M205 transfer case and a Cummins diesel engine.If someone t
  • Hitting a high note: Chatham high school band achieves Gold Standard at national competition

    A teacher and students’ passion for music helped the John McGregor secondary school Concert Band meet the Gold Standard at a national competitions this month in Niagara Falls.This achievement is even more impressive given the band’s humble origins when music teacher Curtis Clarke arrived from Oakville three years ago to rebuild the school’s music program.Clarke said there were about 125 students and nobody knew how to play an instrument.“I came in and taught everyone how
  • Home with a history: Unique retirement facility built by Ursuline Sisters marks 20 years

    The Ursuline Sisters have been in Chatham-Kent for 166 years and they have always been able to adapt to the times and make decisions for the future.A big change happened more than two decades ago when the Sisters decided to sell their former Motherhouse on Ursuline Avenue in Chatham and build the Villa Angela, which opened in 2006.A 20 th anniversary celebration was held Thursday to honour the unique home the Ursulines built at 20 Merci Way.Sister Theresa Campeau said it was built to be the gol
  • Chatham-Kent man facing voyeurism charges goes to trial next year

    It will be nearly a year before a Chatham-Kent man facing sex-related charges will go to trial.Brent Konecny, 33, who appeared briefly in a Chatham court Thursday via video link, faces about 200 counts of voyeurism along with charges of committing an indecent act and criminal harassment.A trial date is set for April 21, 2027 before a judge in the Ontario Court of Justice. The trial is expected to take a day.Despite justice of the peace Daniel Byskal commenting that the trial date is “a lo
  • Man charged after badly injured dog dies: Chatham-Kent police

    A Wheatley man is charged after a dog found severely injured Thursday died, Chatham-Kent police say.Officers responding to an animal complaint on Cemetery Road about 12:30 p.m. found a severely injured dog and evidence of animal neglect and abuse, police said.Animal Welfare Services was called to assist in a joint investigation, police said.The dog was provided immediate veterinary care, but later succumbed to its injuries, police said.A Wheatley man, 43, is charged with cruelty to animals &nda
  • Local doctor receives prestigious award for training medical students

    A Chatham-Kent doctor has been recognized for her “profound impact on medical education across the region.”Jacqueline Wolting recently was honoured with the prestigious Schulich excellence in distributed education award, said a joint media release from the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and Thamesview Family Health Team.The annual awards of excellence at the Schulich school of medicine and dentistry recognizes individuals who move the school forward through outstanding leadership, cur
  • Province gives $1.6M to help more CK residents access primary care

    Ontario is putting up nearly $1.6 million to help more than 3,200 Chatham-Kent residents connect with a family doctor or nurse practitioner.But, given Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team success using similar funding, even more could get access, officials say.The money “will help connect more people in our community to a family doctor or nurse practitioner and ensure residents receive the care they need where they need it.” area MPP Trevor Jones (PC-Chatham-Kent–Leamington) said
  • Province gives $1.6M to help more Chatham-Kent residents access primary care

    Ontario is putting up nearly $1.6 million to help more than 3,200 Chatham-Kent residents connect with a family doctor or nurse practitioner.But, given Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team success using similar funding, even more could get access, officials say.The money “will help connect more people in our community to a family doctor or nurse practitioner and ensure residents receive the care they need where they need it.” area MPP Trevor Jones (PC-Chatham-Kent–Leamington) said
  • $1M funding will boost CT scanner hours; second machine in the works

    The CT scanner at the hospital in Chatham will be logging more hours to reduce wait times for patients thanks to a $1 million investment by the Ontario government.But there could be more good news to come.In announcing the investment on Thursday, Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP Trevor Jones said, “Through this funding, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance will be able to increase operational capacity, reduce wait times, of course, and continue delivering the high-quality care the patients need
  • Male Youth Summit will address mental health, re-framing masculinity

    Today’s male youth are bombarded with negative messages about masculinity that can feed into negative actions including misogyny, intimate partner and gender-based violence that have become prevalent in today’s society.About 400 male students in the Lambton Kent District school board, primarily in grades seven to nine, will receive an education on these and other topics during the first Male Youth Summit being held May 28 and 29 in Chatham-Kent.The summit is a partnership between Si

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