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300-plus protest in Chatham

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Randy Hillier said he doesn’t care how many charges he gets for speaking out against Ontario’s COVID-19 lockdown, something he did Monday in Chatham.

The defacto leader of the province’s growing anti-lockdown movement, and maverick MPP, said it’s part of the price to pay for stopping the country’s “social murder,” brought on government’s COVID19’s “false, fear-based agenda.”

“I don’t’ care how many tickets they give me,” the independent MPP told a vocal and enthusiastic 300plus crowd at Chatham’s Tecumseh Park Monday.

“We can wallpaper our walls with tickets. We must regain our freedom.

No more lockdowns.”

Hillier, who represents the riding of Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston, was among the anti-lockdown heavy hitters at the podium, part of a grassroots movement against COVID-19 government restrictions.

“We’re not hysterical,” he said. “We have faith in ourselves, faith in God

and faith in democracy.”

A comment that all government leaders and health officials affiliated with COVID-19 lockdowns “need to resign” was met by wild applause.

Along with fist pumping and clapping, chants of “No More Lockdowns,” “Fire Doug Ford” and “Trudeau, Let My People Go” filled the spring air.

Henry Hildebrandt, an Aylmer preacher who has become lightning rod for government criticism, and Hastings-Lennox-Addington MP Derek Sloan, also a vocal critic, came out swinging against the Ford government and local officials.

Other speakers, also becoming well known for their anti-lockdown messages, stepped forward to address the crowd, including Leamington restaurant owner Kristy Leathem and Windsor pastor Aaron Rock.

Chatham barber Michael Smulders said government is hurting the economy, and local artist Penelope Duchesne, who read a letter on behalf of a woman recently charged with organizing a freedom protest.

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News

A crowd of protestors gathered Monday in Chatham to listen to the leaders of Ontario’s growing anti-lockdown movement.

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Lockdown ‘social murder,’ Hillier says

Continued from page 1

As owner of a small business, Smulders called out Chatham-Kent’s elected officials for not hearing the message from small business.

“No one has listened,” he added. “It’s been minimal effort at best.”

The jeans-and-suspender clad Hillier got the celebrity treatment. Dozens of people crowded around the veteran politician, taking pictures and

shaking hands.

Hillier told rally goers there’s “no roadblock big enough to stop Canadians from being free.”

Some of the speakers, and many in the crowd, were especially critical of government’s curtailing of worship gatherings.

Chatham resident Pat Lambier said she attended the rally to protest the restrictions at churches.

“It’s about being a Christian and not being able to

worship,” Lambier said.

“You can buy alcohol, but you can’t go to church.”

A former employee of public health, Lambier called the current lockdown and restrictions “despicable. I can’t believe what is going on.”

Brenda Swain, also of Chatham, said she can’t understand the government’s rationale when it comes to what people can buy.

Pam Wright/Special to The Chatham Voice

Independent MPP Randy Hillier, a vocal opponent of Ontario’s COVID-19 lockdowns, speaks with Chatham resident Bella Greene at a Freedom Rally held at Tecumseh Park Monday.

She said she needed a zipper to fix some clothing but was not allowed to buy it, even though it was right beside the milk she purchased.

Shirley Faas, also of Chatham, proudly carried a sign protesting the lockdown, and said she doesn’t believe COVID-19 is real.

“I don’t believe it’s what they say it is,” Faas explained. “I believe it’s a flu.”

Democracy is being threatened by the COVID-19 nonsense, she added, with the country at risk of being “taken over” by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other officials.

A Chatham-Kent Police Service drone hovered over the event for its duration, but as of press time, no charges were announced by the either the police or the municipality.

Both Hillier and Hildebrandt have been charged with defying COVID-19 stay-at-home orders in the past.

THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 4

News

Man gunned down in Blenheim The Chatham Voice

Shots rang out in the evening air in Blenheim April 21, ultimately killing a local man.

Police say got the call about 7 p.m.

They have learned that two men, known to the homeowner, attended the residence.

An argument ensued outside the home, and police say one of the men opened fire, hitting the homeowner’s friend, who was at the residence.

The victim, a 20-year-old Blenheim man, sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital where he succumbed to those injuries.

The suspects fled the scene, but police located the vehicle within minutes on Communications Road.

Police pulled the vehicle over and the driver surrendered.

But police say the passenger shifted into the driver’s seat and fled.

Officers pursued the vehicle and a high-risk traffic stop was initiated on Kent Bridge Road.

The man was taken into custody without incident and the firearm was recovered.

Members of the Criminal Investigations Branch and Forensic Identification Unit continue to investigate.

Both suspects are 19-year-old men from Windsor, and are charged with murder and attempted murder.

D/Sgt. Gabe Tetrault of the Criminal Investigations Branch added, “Our frontline officers responded to a very serious

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

Officers had this address at the corner of Lumley and Church Streets blocked off in Blenheim April 22, the day after 20-yearold Braeden Burk was shot and killed while at a friend’s home. Police apprehended the two suspects that evening.

and dynamic situation.

Within minutes of the initial call, officers methodically and courageously identified, located and apprehended armed and dangerous criminals all the while preserving valuable evidence and maintaining public safety. This was teamwork at its finest – a testament to the value of good training and commitment to duty.

As members of our Ma-

jor Crime Unit take over the investigation, I would like to reassure the public that we believe this was an isolated incident and that there is no threat to public safety. We extend our deepest sympathies to all those involved in this tragic incident.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Dan Hamilton at danha@chatham-kent. ca or 519-436-6600 ext.

284. Anonymous callers may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and may be eligible for a cash reward.

The victim is reported to be Braedon Burk. His father commented on social media about the shooting.

“As a father you want the best for your kids, watch them grow, be great, turn out to be beautiful, respectful, caring and lov-

ing children; make you proud,” he wrote. “Well tonight, I lost, my son Braedon just 20 years old, his life taken. I have really no words. I was so proud of the young man he became; his sisters and brothers, lost so much tonight. I truly lost my best friend. My heart is broken.”

There is a GoFundMe page seeking assistance in paying for funeral costs.

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

ing, Chatham-Kent police and Victim Services have teamed up to produce several videos on the subject.

The videos share the

stories of Canadian survivors of human trafficking.

Kate do Forno, executive director of Chatham-Kent Victim Services (CKVS) said human trafficking is a dirty truth in the municipality, and along the Highway 401 corridor.

“It’s a growing issue in Chatham-Kent for sure.

We’ve seen our numbers rise in the past year,” she said.

But it’s not isolated to Chatham-Kent.

“It’s an issue in every community. They’re targeting young girls, predominantly,” do Forno said. “These traffickers know how to groom them.”

She stressed it is vital for families – parents and their children, to be able to recognize how traffickers work.

“That’s why we put together these videos. We

have an opportunity to educate families,” do Forno said.

There are three videos in the series, the longest being 17 minutes. do Forno said they are worth watching.

“I think it will be the best 25 minutes in total that you’ve spent in the past week,” she said. “Yes, it’s scary, but it’s so informative and educational that you will benefit from it.” do Forno said the videos help people understand what human traffickers are doing and how to spot the signs trafficking is taking place.

She stressed trafficking is not as hidden as people think; they just don’t recognize what is happening.

For access to these community videos, visit: https://ckvictimservices. com/resources/stories/

Local videos address trafficking

In an effort to help local residents recognize the signs of human traffick-

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

News

Vaccination effort on the road again

Help clothe migrant workers

By Pam Wright Contributing Writer

By Pam Wright Contributing Writer

The closure of local thrift stores has created a chilly challenge for Chatham-Kent’s temporary foreign workers.

John Jaques, owner of Sunshine Asparagus Farm near Thamesville, said it’s been tough finding warm clothing for the 24 Mexican workers now at Sunshine.

He’s put out a call for donations as a result.

Not considered an essential service, the stores were closed by the province, creating an unforeseen problem with no easy solution.

“Normally we go to the Goodwill or other stores to get things for the men to get started,” Jaques said.

“This year we don’t have that option so we are collecting.”

PAGE 5

Pam Wright/Special to The Chatham Voice

The Salvation Army Thrift Store on St. Clair Street, like other thrift shops in the municipality, is closed during the lockdown.

It has left migrant workers without access to inexpensive clothing.

Jaques posted the need for warm clothes on a local social media site and friends and neighbours are already stepping up.

“We are looking for men’s medium and large sweaters and coats,” Jaques explained.

The workers are still under mandatory quarantine, preparing to harvest some 60-acres of asparagus at the East Kent operation.

Anyone wishing to donate clothing can call 519692-4416.

Plans are in the works to expand Chatham-Kent’s vaccine road show.

Public health officials will be taking the COVID-19 shot to temporary foreign workers this week as part of the second half of Ontario’s Phase 2 rollout.

Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Colby said at last week’s board of health meeting that a mobile team will begin inoculating workers at the large farms and greenhouses in the municipality.

“Vaccinating anyone is a real win in terms of getting this pandemic under control,” Colby said, adding the continuance of food production in Chatham-Kent’s booming agriculture sector is paramount.

Health officials are hoping mobile clinics will

stave off any COVID-19 outbreaks, such as the large one at Greenhill Produce last year.

But thanks to a progressive move by government, workers are now being offered the shot when they arrive at Toronto’s Pearson airport.

John Jaques, owner of Sunshine Asparagus Farm near Thamesville, said all of his 24 employees got the jab at the airport and are now on mandatory quarantine on the farm.

The workers had to be tested before leaving Mexico, tested again at the airport and will be tested again by Chatham-Kent Public Health towards the end of quarantine.

“Our workers had fortunate timing,” he said, as the protocols were recently introduced. “I’m pretty confident things are going to be OK.” Jaques called the gov-

ernment’s airport vaccination effort a win-win.

“It’s really positive,” he said, adding medical leaders, including Colby, pushed for the measure.

“It makes total sense.”

Other local vaccine outreach initiatives are being met with great success.

Recent pop up clinics in Wheatley and Highgate were well attended, Colby said, getting the shot into the arms of around 650 residents.

The reaction of local residents was “overwhelmingly positive,” Colby noted.

“People are overjoyed we are bringing the vaccine to smaller communities,” he said. “The response is nothing but positive.”

Getting COVID-19 vaccines to all corners of the municipality is a joint effort between the health unit and Chatham-Kent EMS.

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PAGE 6

Frustration situation Look, we understand the frustration, we really do.

The government restrictions are wreaking havoc on local businesses, on the mental health of many, and forced a huge adjustment to our everyday lives.

But gathering in protest of the lockdowns, in close proximity without masks on, just asks for such measures to be extended.

Yes, Monday’s protest in Tecumseh Park, where upwards of 300 people gathered, took place outdoors, but people certainly did not exercise social distancing. Maverick MPP Randy Hillier was spotted putting his arm around people for selfies.

By ignoring social distancing and eschewing masks, as well as coming into close contact with others, some of the protesters may have very well spread the virus. Considering a number of individuals travelled from out of our municipality, possibly from spots of higher per capita active case counts, it wasn’t a wise move.

Plus, it was illegal.

If you don’t want a vaccine, fine. That’s your choice. If you don’t agree with the lockdown measures, you have exercised your rights to protest on Monday. Bylaw enforcement may very well exercise its rights this week to charge people for attending.

In a perfect world, because we are not a hotspot for COVID-19, we’d be able to have a much more open economy at the moment. But we don’t live in a perfect world.

If we opened up as if COVID-19 didn’t exist, or even with minimal restrictions, the selfish types from hotspots still in lockdown would pile into their cars and head here, with some bringing the virus with them.

People acting selfishly is what has this pandemic dragging on. Every time the province loosens restrictions, people go from accepting the proverbial inch to taking the proverbial mile. Too many behave as if there is no reason for a lockdown in the first place, and gather in large numbers, or travel unnecessarily.

How do variants of the virus make it here? People travel internationally. Why? For selfish reasons.

Look no further than the mass exodus of India’s upper classes by air while that country is seeing hundreds of thousands of new cases each day, and thousands of deaths every 24 hours.

Behaving as a bunch of individuals is not the fast track for emerging from this pandemic.

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).

The Chatham Voice reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for brevity and clarity.

Advertising policy

The publisher of this newspaper, CK Media Inc., reserves the right to clarify or refuse any advertisement based on its sole discretion. The publisher reserves the right to reject, discontinue or omit any advertisement without notice or penalty to either party.

Liability for errors or non-insertion is limited to the amount paid for the cost of space occupied by the error. Claims of errors must be made prior to the next publication date.

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

Opinion

Detailed national COVID plan needed Editor: With Canada well into the third wave of COVID-19 and Variants of Concern on the rise, I cannot help but believe Canadians have been let down repeatedly by our elected officials.

Now in their defence, few of our elected officials have any sort of experience in developing plans and many have a background that did nothing to prepare them to lead a small group, let alone Canada or a province during a pandemic.

I do not believe at any point during the past year did political parties set aside their differences in order to come together and concentrate their full efforts on developing a comprehensive plan that focused collaboratively on the welfare of Canadians. Governments, for the most part, seem to follow a decision-making process akin to trial and error, whilst deflecting blame. Current Government of Canada and

provincial restrictive measures appear to lack any sort of deliberate planning process or any form of co-ordination with those key stakeholders who are expected to implement such measures. Opposition parties are quick to point out failures but offer no assistance.

The Government of Canada prides itself on a whole-of-government approach to vexing domestic and international issues. Why? It’s because most problems today require a co-ordinated and integrated approach to fully understand the nature of the problem and then to be able to develop viable solutions.

For example, the Canadian Armed Forces have a proven operational planning process that would be a valuable tool when responding to a pandemic. Sadly, we have no real plan in place and that reflects poorly on

all levels of government, the federal level in particular.

The Canadian Armed Forces have an immense capacity to develop strategic level plans and has the experience, intellect, planning and leadership ability to work with all stakeholders in a whole-of-government approach.

What is needed is a plan that addresses health and safety, the economy, education, security, communications, travel, vaccine availability and many other aspects of life in Canada while battling a virus.

The Armed Forces’ planning process has stood the test of war, natural disasters, and many other events in Canada’s past.

Thousands of Canadian officers are formally trained to correctly apply this planning process and could assist Public Health Canada, the lead agency for a pandemic response,

and other whole-of-government partners in developing an overarching strategic plan.

The Strategic Joint Staff at National Defence Headquarters and the Canadian Joint Operations Command are purpose built for such planning while various Joint Task Force Headquarters across Canada are uniquely placed to work together with provincial and territorial leaders and stakeholders to develop provincial and territorial plans that address the nuances of each region.

Canadians deserve better from our elected officials and they deserve better support from the massive bureaucracy that supports them. It is not too late to develop a plan to help bring this pandemic in Canada to an end and be prepared for future pandemics.

Col. (Ret.) Ian Creighton Port Alma

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

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PAGE 8

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

homes

More apartments for Chatham

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

The new housing boom in Chatham-Kent continues, this time inside a former school.

Apollo Inc. got the approval from council recently to renovate St. Joe’s School in Chatham into 18 apartment units with a commercial element.

Samantha McFadden, director of property management for Apollo, said that a day-care centre will occupy commercial space.

“For Apollo, we saw there is a lack of needed housing in Chatham-Kent.

When that location came up, that was the perfect opportunity,” she said.

She said the daycare should help attract families to the apartment building, adding every unit will feature two bedrooms.

As well, it could be of benefit for parents working in the downtown core.

Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice

The former St. Joseph’s School on Raleigh Street in Chatham will undergo a transformation over the next year, resulting in 18 two-bedroom apartments and a day-care centre located in the building. Council recently paved the way by approving a zoning change on the property.

“For that location,” she said of 25 Raleigh St., “it’s the convenience of being close to the downtown core. The day-care centre will be nice for people

who work downtown. It should be easy for them to take their children there.”

The St. Clair Catholic District School board notified the municipality in

November of 2019 it was going to dispose of the property. As a result, the municipality bought it the following August, and subsequently sold it to

Apollo.

Construction will start soon, with the hope to have the renovations complete and units ready for lease by March of 2022.

“We’re really excited to get this project underway and excited to see the growth it will help bring to Chatham-Kent,” McFadden said.

The Chatham-Kent Police Service released the data to the Police Services Board last week as part of its annual report on crime statistics in all units.

Break and enters at businesses went up a whopping 67 percent, from 224 in 2019 to 373 in 2020.

There was also a significant increase in the number of thefts of property over $5,000, climbing from 49 in 2019 to 88 last year.

Vehicle thefts rose 13 percent in 2020, going from 239 to 269. The number of stolen bicycles – a popular target of thieves – was 137, up 43 percent com-

pared to 96 in 2019.

CKPS board chairman Pat Weaver said the increase in property crimes can be attributed in part to COVID-19’s debilitating effect on the economy.

“It’s COVID times,” Weaver told The Voice following the meeting.

“People are desperate,” he said, adding the drug trade fuels a large slice of Chatham-Kent’s crime.

According to the report, heroin is making a comeback locally. Weaver said frontline officers administered Naxolene, the drug that counters the effects of opioid overdose, a total of 42 times in 2020.

That’s more than double the 2019 figure.

There were 13 fatal drug overdoses last year in the municipality.

Weaver said Chatham-Kent’s greatest policing challenge continues to be its vast geography with officers covering an area bigger than Prince Edward Island.

But with the exception of Chatham-Kent’s only murder on Boxing Day

2020 in Wallaceburg – there were none in 2019 – there was a drop in some violent crimes.

No attempted murder charges were laid in 2020, down from four the previous year.

But incidents involving aggravated assaults and weapons and drugs saw an increase in 2020.

The amount of drugs seized by the service’s Intelligence Unit – mainly il-

legal marijuana grow-ops – more than tripled with a value of $11.5-million.

The unit made 93 arrests for major drug and property crimes, which led to 321 charges.

A total of 59 search warrants were carried out with 18 illegal guns seized.

The report said the drug seizures were due in large part to tips received from Crime Stoppers.

By Pam Wright Contributing Writer

amount of Moderna vaccine due to a manufacturing supply issue.

The AstraZeneca vaccine – which has come under fire because of rare complications that cause blood clots – is now available to residents 40 years and up.

Three area pharmacies are distributing the AstraZeneca. It’s expected to become more widely available in the near future through local physicians and medical offices.

AstraZeneca was also recently approved for pregnant women.

On the weekend, the CKPHU offered doses at a special clinic aimed at inoculating area residents

with high-risk health conditions.

Risk from the vaccine is tiny, said Colby; adding complications from COVID-19 are far more serious.

Colby said the vaccine team is nearing the halfway mark of its goal. It’s expected that 65,000 Chatham-Kent residents will get the shot.

There are still some pockets of vaccine resistance, Colby explained.

Only half of long-term care workers have taken the shot.

Colby said that’s unfortunate, as the vaccine’s efficacy has been proved by the reduction of outbreaks in long-term care.

COVID cranks up crime in C-K in 2020

By Pam Wright Contributing Writer

There were fewer people out and about in 2020, yet overall crime rates in Chatham-Kent rose 12 percent.

A total of 5,356 crimes were reported to the Chatham-Kent Police Service in 2020, compared to 4,781 the previous year.

Property crimes accounted for the biggest hike with the rate of arson climbing 233 percent.

In 2019, 12 arsons were investigated in the municipality, but in 2020 the number more than tripled to 40.

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Vaccine flow steady for C-K

Ontario’s decision to focus more resources on COVID-19 hotspots shouldn’t affect vaccine distribution in Chatham-Kent.

Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Colby said there are no plans to divert local vaccine supplies away from the municipality.

“We are not expecting any reduction because of diversion to hotspots,” Colby said at a recent municipal press conference.

However, like the rest of the province, Chatham-Kent will see a temporary reduction in the

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

Opinion

A return to the framework is needed Editor: As both Michigan and Ontario struggle to manage variants, their strategies to do so could not be more different.

During last week’s press conference, Premier Ford ushered in what was in is his own words “the most restrictive COVID measures in North America.” A two-week stay-at-home order was to be extended to six weeks. Rough numbers for Ontario last Thursday indicate approximately 4,000 new cases for a provincial population teetering on 14 million.

Meanwhile, the State of Michigan, with a population shy of 10 million, experienced in excess of 8,000 cases on the same day and rather than being locked down, Michigan has largely remained open including bars, restaurants and retail.

When emerging from Ontario’s first lockdown last spring, the Ford government was determined that all regions would do so at the same time, however it became apparent rather quickly that Toronto and the GTA were lagging well behind most regions in the province. Ford’s strategy then shifted in order to allow regions with lower case counts to open well before Toronto. The slow pace of reopening and the reasoning and rationale driving it remained somewhat cryptic and ultimately became a very frustrating process for affected citizens, politicians and the media.

The net result of this frustration was the development of a science-based colour-coded framework that was predictable and that worked well in terms of either dialing-up or loosening local restrictions.

Unfortunately, when the second and third wave hit the GTA area, the Ford government reacted in panic mode throwing the entire province into lockdown, including regions that were green,

as well as yellow and orange on the framework.

This letter is not about a call to freedom or to advocate for the Michigan model; it’s about a need to return to the framework in order to mitigate the damage caused by lockdowns to our children, residents, communities and businesses.

For months now we have been hearing the crisis calls from health professionals including those involved with mental health services, surgeons, oncologists, physicians and other specialists, all sounding the alarm about a fourth wave related to the fallout associated with lockdowns.

Additionally, emergency doctors are noting an increase in child abuse and spousal abuse, while marital failures, suicides, and overdoses all continue to spike.

With each successive wave, Toronto and the GTA have proven to be the primary drivers of COVID cases and related fallout in the province.

Ford has consistently referred to Toronto and the GTA as a “hot spot” and even admitted during last Thursday’s announcement that the GTA area generates 80 percent of the COVID caseload. Given this scenario, why is it that the balance of the province must endure the devastating effects of lockdowns when it is clearly a Toronto problem?

There is no Ontario COVID crisis but there most certainly is a Toronto, GTA COVID crisis and as the framework would suggest, they should indeed be in lockdown. Clearly Doug Ford needs to reign-in his Toronto area one-size-fits-all solution for the province and immediately return the province to the framework that has guided municipalities and their associated health units so well in the past.

Jim Sanson Chatham

PAGE 9

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 10

Life

Resident wants better care for cemetery

By Jenna Cocullo jenna@chathamvoice.com

A Chatham-Kent resident wants to see the municipality take better care of its cemetery as many headstones are being moved out of place.

Wayne Rumble visits his family at the Evergreen Cemetery in Blenheim every second month and thinks municipal equipment is to blame for displaced tombstones and ground markers run into the dirt.

The cemetery is municipally owned and operated.

Rumble’s main complaint is that the rows of graves are no longer in a neat file as some bases have been shifted at an angle. Headstones are also turned off their bases.

“People come in with big machines and cut the grass and they hit the stones and damage the stones. I’ve seen it.” he said.

Rumble says he has heard people blame vandals, but believes that only heavy machinery can move the big and heavy

monuments.

Personally, Rumble’s family had to call twice to straighten out his grandfather’s headstone after he noticed two separate incidents, he added.

Public Works is in charge of burials for the municipally run cemeteries and use backhoes to get the job done.

“They don’t take the time to do (burials). It’s just another thing they have to do. It is very disrespectful,” said Rumble.

“They can use smaller equipment.”

Jeff Bray, manager of Parks and Open Spaces, explained that because the cemeteries rely on Public Works for help, the municipality has to purchase equipment that can be multi purpose. He also noted that his department has not received any burial complaints.

“We haven’t had an issue with them hitting graves. These guys have years of experience.”

Bray also noted that some of the markings which are in the ground are not necessarily run

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

Jenna Cocullo/The Chatham Voice

Wayne Rumble’s family had to call the municipality on two separate occasions to fix his family’s headstone after it was moved off its base twice. He’d like to see more care for the Evergreen Cemetery in Blenheim.

into the ground because of machines or vandals.

“This is the time of year too, around May 1, where we start topping up graves and work is completed from the winter, because as you can imagine that the earth settles sometimes,” he said.

Bray did note that in the previous two years, there has been a

higher volume in grass cutting complaints, but he explains that long bouts of rain made it hard for contractors to keep up with lawn maintenance.

Rumble would at the very least like to see a full-time manager or caretaker for the Blenheim cemetery to which Bray concurs.

Currently, Chatham-Kent has

only one supervisor for its six active cemeteries. Chatham, Dresden and Wallaceburg all have their own full-time staff member. The rest operate with assistance from Public Works.

“We’d love to have another cemetery employee. But we’d have to go through council to get the approval to hire a fulltime employee,” Bray said.

gleaning important information about the crime, while accompanying the man to hospital via ambulance.

A former paramedic who became a Chatham-Kent police officer in 2019, Bossence knew what he was doing and saved the man in the nick of time.

CKPS Chief Gary Conn called Bossence’s actions “courageous” and because of his quick thinking he “undoubtedly saved the man’s life.”

A letter from Cha-

tham-Kent EMS General Manager Don MacLellan also praised Bossence’s quick action, confirming the man did indeed suffer a sucking chest wound.

Chatham-Kent Police Services Board chairman Pat Weaver calls Bossence the “perfect example” of the new style of police officer the service hopes to have.

“People like Max are the cops of the future for us,” Weaver said.

Bossence humbly accepted the

award and praised the actions of paramedics who tended to the victim, adding, “They deserve just as much credit.”

He said he was “very honoured” to be chosen for the citation, admitting his former work as a paramedic allowed him to recognize the severity of the injury.

Conn formally presented the citation to Bossence at the regular police services board meeting at Chatham-Kent Police headquarters April 20.

Officer recognized for saving stabbing victim

By Pam Wright Contributing Writer

In the early morning hours of March 9, Const. Max Bossence had the right stuff at the right time.

His quick actions at a violent stabbing in Wallaceburg saved a man’s life, earning Bossence a citation from the Chatham-Kent Police Services Board.

First on the scene at 3:55 a.m.

following a 9-1-1 call, Bossence discovered multiple stabbing victims at an apartment complex.

After speaking with witnesses, the officer followed a trail of blood into another apartment and discovered a man with a life-threatening sucking chest wound.

Bossence used a shirt to put pressure on the wound. He then kept the victim talking,

Silver Milestone of 25th Purchase Les Herman of Chatham is seen with Luce Cools picking up his new fully equipped 2021 Ram Limited pickup.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

Life

Donation preserves woodlot

By Pam Wright Contributing Writer

Chatham-Kent got a nice Earth Day present April 22.

The day marked the official announcement of the gift of a 24-acre parcel of Carolinian forest to the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority.

Ken Ashton, who donated the Selton Line property, hopes the land will serve as a living legacy to the Ashton family, who have lived in East Kent for some 150 years.

“It a way for the family name to live on,” Ashton said while walking the land. “I thought it was a good thing to do.”

Ashton also wanted to honour his father Lawrence who was Kent County’s Warden in 1985.

Lawrence, who passed away in 2006, also served as Reeve of Orford Township.

The elder Ashton, a politically active friend of

the environment also served on the board of the LTVCA. Ashton said his father tried to be proactive and the family was one of the first to adopt no-till practices on their cash crop operation.

LTVCA Lands and Services Conservation Manager Randall Van Wagner said he welcomed the addition of the Ashton property, adding there are unique species within the plot, including butternut trees.

The name of the new conservation area, located east of Delaware Nation, a few kilometres from the Thames River, hasn’t been decided upon. Ashton is hoping for Ashton Conservation Woodlot.

At age 69, Ashton is gearing down his agricultural operation, but says his nephew is continuing the family’s agricultural tradition and will be working the land adjacent to the new conservation

Pam Wright/Special to The Chatham Voice

Ken Ashton recently donated a 24-acre parcel of Carolinian forest to the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority on Selton Line.

woodlot.

Ashton said he believes conserving land is important, especially for wildlife.

“I know the value of trees,” he added. “But we’re not conservation saints. I wouldn’t want to paint it in that light. I’ve

cut down my fair share of trees.”

When asked if he supports woodlot preservation in Chatham-Kent, Ashton said he would like to see some type of incentive program for farmers, which could include ending property taxation on

Time to party like it’s 2019

By Bruce Corcoran bruce@chathamvoice.com

It’s almost party time in Chatham-Kent, despite the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

C-K’s Big Night In takes place May 8 and features nine different local musical acts, all performing at different venues around Chatham-Kent.

The kicker? You get to enjoy the shows from the comfort of your own living room.

Since the stay-at-home order prevents you from coming to the party, organizer Dava Robichaud said the party is coming to you.

Robichaud, the events co-ordinator with TekSavvy, the event’s main sponsor, said the idea formed as she and a group of others chatted about the need to give the community a boost.

“We were thinking we needed to do something. This is enough,” she said of the lingering pandemic and associated restrictions. “Chatham-Kent citizens are depressed, suffering from mental anguish and isolation. Small businesses are suffering and some have closed. Chatham-Kent needed something.”

PAGE 11

That something is the Big Night In. The bands, recorded before the stay-at-home order took effect and done under COVID protocols, will be shown via streaming on YourTV Chatham, TekSavvy TV and on YouTube on May 8, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“It had to be big. It had to be fun,” Robichaud said. “It’s not the size and scope we had originally planned, thanks to COVID and the provincial restrictions, but it’s going to be great.”

forested areas.

“Farmers need something to make it (saving trees) worthwhile,” he added. “They should be compensated in some way.”

The LTVCA and its many community partners have ambitious plans for 2021, aiming to plant 85,000 trees, 42 acres of tallgrass prairie and develop 20 acres of wetlands.

C-K’s Circle of Support These local organizations are here to support our community.

Continued on page 13

A Warm, Accessible Space to Say Good-Bye

Providing nutritious meals to families in crisis.

Supported through generous donations from our community, please consider making a monetary or food donation.

10 Wellington St., W. Chatham 519-351-8381 • outreachforhunger.com

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 12

519-351-9223

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

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Community Events Friday, April 30: • The Chatham Legion Br. 642, corner of William & Colborne St. Chatham will be taking orders after 12:00 p.m. for tonight’s supper. Tonight’s specials are Liver & Onions or Fish & Chips. Please phone 519-3518733 or 519-351-5639 to place your order. Take Out Orders Only. Everyone Welcome.

• Friday night pickup supper at the Chatham Moose Lodge, 850 Richmond St. is a RIB dinner with baked potato, baked beans, salad and a bun for $12.

Please call daily from 1 to 4 P.M at 519-352-8291.

Saturday, May 1: • Saturday Morning Breakfast Program at First Presbyterian Church (corner of Fifth St. and Wellington). A delicious nutritious breakfast served free of CLUES ACROSS charge from 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

1. Switches This will be a TAKE OUT only 7. Legal financial term (abbr.) every other Saturday.

10. Sweeties • Grief Group at 2 pm in Dres12. Competition den. Call 519-598-1111 to reg13. Measures electrical resistance ister for this free group. Share 14. Psychotherapy researcher your grief for better emotional 15. Causes injury to health.

16. Open Friday, May 7: 17. Polish peninsula • The Chatham Legion Br. 642, 18. Hebrew calendar month corner of William & Colborne 19. Whale ship captain St. Chatham will be taking 21. Children’s accessory orders after 12:00 p.m. for 22. Unknown point tonight’s supper. Tonight’s specials are Ham & Scalloped 27. Exists Potatoes or Fish & Chips. Please 28. Extremely confident phone 519-351-8733 or 51933. Expression of disgust 351-5639 to place your order.

Take Out Orders Only. Everyone 34. The government has many 36. Small constellation Welcome.

37. Northern Indian city ~~~~~~~~~~ 38. The best pitchers 39. Naturally occurring solid Submit your coming events to 40. Apple computers bruce@chatham­voice.com or michelle@chathamvoice.com 41. Portuguese city

Sudoku 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box.

44. Ancient Greek war dance 45. More reliable 48. Sailboat 49. Newspapers 50. Frequently flooded area 51. They dig for coal CLUES DOWN 1. Partial 2. “Mad Men” leading man 3. The __ of March 4. Healthy 5. Where golfers begin 6. Soviet Socialist Republic (abbr.)

7. Of the cheek 8. Injury reminder 9. Statesman Franklin 10. For an unknown reason 11. Brain parts 12. Islamic calendar month 14. Avenue where ad men work 17. Possesses 18. Accept

20. Stake 23. Former British PM May 24. US battleships circa 1939 25. Greek alphabet letter 26. When you hope to get there 29. Top lawyer 30. Fiddler crabs 31. Intolerant 32. Persons that cause extreme fear 35. Car mechanics group 36. Capital of Ghana 38. Famed ballplayer Hank 40. Emphasizes insignificance 41. Light-colored 42. Distinctive smell 43. Muckraking journalist Jacob 44. Sunscreen rating 45. Short-term memory 46. Japanese delicacy 47. One point north of due east

Pick us up every week at any of these locations!

Delivered each week to every home in the city of Chatham.

Also online at chathamvoice.com Have a story idea or question?

Give us a call at 519-397-2020

Chatham: Anne’s Smoke Shop, Downtown Chatham Centre, Legion Branch 628, Maple City Bakery, Young’s Variety, Active Lifestyle Centre, Wednesday Market, Royal LePage, Pharmasave, 7-11, Schinkels’, Lenovers, Lynnwood Subdivision, Mighty Jim’s Wallaceburg: Shoppers Drug Mart, 99.1CKXS, Taylor’s Variety, Black Goose, No Frills, Hometown Deli, Napa Mobil Gas Dresden: MacTavish Pharmacy, Godfathers Pizza Thamesville: Fast & Fresh, Movie Den

Blenheim: McIntyre I.D.A. Pharmacy, Jim’s Barber Shop, Blenheim Seniors Centre, Blenheim Variety, Blenheim Municipal Service Centre 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 Tilbury: Remax, Ashley’s Place Charing Cross: Post Office/Bert’s Plumbing Wheatley: Circle K Store, Jack’s Restaurant

THE CHATHAM VOICE

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

PAGE 13

Life

Your turn is coming soon.

Contributed image

Harjit and Marilou Singh of Chatham celebrate their recent $500,000 lottery win.

Chatham couple pockets $500K The Chatham Voice

Life is a little more “grand” for Harjit and Marilou Singh of Chatham. They matched all five main numbers to win a second prize of $25,000 a year for life with the lottery game Daily Grand this month.

The pair took the lump sum prize of $500,000.

Harjit said he has been a loyal lottery player for more than 30 years.

“This is my largest win,” he shared.

The night before the married couple discovered their big win, Marilou said, “If we win the lottery tonight, let’s renovate the house!”

Harjit checked the winning num-

bers online and noticed they looked familiar.

“I called Marilou over to come see.

We checked it together using the OLG Lottery App and it was the happiest moment,” he said. “I was so excited I couldn’t sleep!”

Marilou, an early childhood education student, said she has always dreamed about what she could do if she won the lottery.

“Now we can make plans. It’s incredible!”

Aside from renovating the house, the couple plans to share their winnings with loved ones.

The winning ticket was purchased at Petro Canada on Park Avenue in Chatham.

Big Night In set for May 8

Continued from page 11

While the pandemic has curtailed gathering in large numbers and has us currently isolating in our homes as much as possible under the provincial restrictions, Robichaud said this is one way to bring everyone together, yet keep them apart.

“You can have an experience with the rest of the community and have a dance party in your living room with your family,” she said.

Robichaud hopes people will reach out to support Chatham-Kent restaurants on the night of the event as well.

“We’re encouraging people to do takeout from local restaurants and support local businesses,” she said.

“We also encourage local food and beverage establishments to have fun with it with some Big Night In specials. We just want everybody to have fun.”

Robichaud said that the critical

piece to all of this is local collaboration. She credits local video production teams, the performing artists, local businesses and the non-profit sector for working together.

Morena McDonald, director of marketing and communications with the United Way of Chatham-Kent, and one of the organizers of the May 16 Miracle, said the event should be a great shot in the arm.

“I think we have all seen the strength of this community, we’ve inspired each other, and we’ve also been an inspiration to other cities and provinces. This celebration will be the perfect way for us all to come together with one massive virtual hug and hopefully give us all some extra energy going into spring and summer,” she said in a media release.

More information can be found at www.ourbignightin.com.

Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine plan is helping to stop the spread and save lives.

Thousands of people across the province are getting vaccinated every day.

As vaccinations continue, we need to stay the course to protect those we love. Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Keep your distance.

Find out when, where and how to get vaccinated at ontario.ca/covidvaccineplan or call 1-888-999-6488 for assistance in more than 300 languages.

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 14

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

News

RetroFest pushed Surgeries cancelled Charges laid over back to June COVID protest The Chatham Voice

The Chatham Voice

The Historic Downtown Chatham BIA has opted to nudge RetroFest back a month this year, due to concerns over COVID-19 safety.

According to Nancy Dudley, co-chair of the BIA, they placed public safety at the front of their thinking.

“We endeavored to try and keep RetroFest ‘alive’ with a first of its kind RetroFest Virtual and Live Stream Event originally scheduled to run May

21 and 22,” she said in a media release. “In order to complete this kind of event, it will take many hours of pre-recording content with cars, their car owners, sponsors, and interactive content providers, along with a live band streamed on stage the day of the event.”

She added that with the stay-at-home order extended well into May, the organizers opted to push RetroFest back to June 25 and 26.

Stay up to date at www. downtownchatham.com.

Like other hospitals around the province, the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance put all non-emergent and non-urgent surgeries and procedures on hold for now.

The order came down April 21 from the province’s chief medical officer of health.

This resulted in several cancellations last week of surgeries at the CKHA. This direction is based on the increasing COVID-19 case counts across the province and the extreme acute and critical care capacity pressures hospitals

are facing. These cancellations are likely to continue through the coming weeks until we begin to see a decline in patients requiring general hospital and critical care across the province, hospital officials said.

CKHA will continue to provide urgent and emergent services as well as the necessary programs/ services to support those same procedures such as diagnostics and endoscopes.

This temporary measure will create additional capacity within CKHA to respond to the urgent critical care needs from other hospitals.

The Chatham Voice

A Chatham woman faces charges following a weekend of protesting April 17 and 18 over the latest COVID-19 restrictions handed down from the province.

On the Saturday, Chatham-Kent police responded to the report of a demonstration at the intersection of St. Clair Street and Grand Avenue in Chatham.

Police observed approximately 30 people gather.

Officers spoke with the

Classifeds

Notice

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All claims against the Estate of Allan John Van Zetten, late of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, who died on or about the 30th day of March, 2021, must be filed with the undersigned personal representative no later than June 14, 2021, after which date the estate will be distributed having regard only to the claims of which the Estate Trustee then shall have notice.

DATED at Chatham-Kent, this 26th day of April, 2021.

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organizer of the event regarding the current restrictions surrounding social gatherings in an effort to educate everyone.

The next day, police responded to the same intersection for another demonstration, this time with approximately 50 people in attendance.

Police say officers again spoke with the same organizer.

The organizer, a 43-yearold Chatham woman, was charged with failing to comply with the provincial order.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

PAGE 15

Classifeds

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday

Thank You

In Memoriam

Donald Wayne Dubuque 1972 – April 25-2015

Happy 4th Birthday Madalena Rose Pisquem April 30, 2021 Love Mommy, Daddy, Lilianna, Molly & all of your family!

Obituary It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of

Roelof (Ralph) Reinhardus

on April 22nd, 2021, at home, surrounded by family. Ralph was born 73 years ago at Veenhuizen, Netherlands. He immigrated to Canada with his family 2 days before his 9th birthday and was proud to call Canada home. Predeceased by his parents Hendrik and Cornelia (VanMourik) Reinhardus and his sister Roelie (Koert) Fekkes.

Also his in-laws Alex and Shirley Thibert and sister in-law Elaine Thibert. He is survived by his wife and best friend Janice (Thibert), and devoted children Steven (Tasha), Lauren (Joey), Daniel (Tosha), Jeff Haggerty, and Tracy Daichendt. Ralph will also be forever missed by his grandchildren Liam, Logan, Naish, Kian, and Mira. He leaves behind siblings John (Donna) Reinhardus of Chatham, Gerrit (Barbara) Reinhardus of Ottawa, Carel (Sandra) Reinhardus of South Hampton, Toni (Fred) Vandernaalt of Chatham, and Albert Reinhardus of Chatham. In-laws, Nancy (late Tom) Drouillard of Wallacetown, and Patricia Girard of Windsor.

Predeceased by in-laws Ron (Patt) Thibert and Carole Clute (Len MacDougall). He will forever be cherished by several beloved nieces and nephews who were proud to call him “Uncle Ralph”. The hole he has left in our hearts will never be filled…until we meet again.

He began his working career in banking for the Bank of Montreal in West Lorne. Ralph retired from BMO after 40 years, then ended his financial career at Alterna Savings.

Through his life, Ralph was an active Scouting and Venture leader, loved camping, travel, and spending time with friends and family from Holland, Canada, USA, and South Africa. Anyone who knew Ralph, knew he was thoughtful, kind, generous, adventurous, and never sat still. He has been cremated in his favourite “Pineapple Suit” along with mementos from his grandchildren. His family wishes to express special Thanks to dear friends for all the love and support over this 19 month journey. A private service will take place and a celebration of Ralph’s life at a later date as per COVID restrictions. Friends or family planning an expression of remembrance are asked to consider making a donation to the “VON Chatham-Kent Kid’s Circle Program” www.von.ca, or a charity of their choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Life Transitions Burial and Cremation Service Inc

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The family of the late Shirley Cuthbertson would like to thank all those who have supported us during her journey with dementia, from the staff at St. Andrew’s Residence (2015-2017), Riverview Gardens, 6th Floor East (2017 - 2021), our church family at St. Paul’s United Church and all those who sent cards or online condolences. Also, to McKinlay Funeral Home Staff and Pastor Jamie Tiffin for helping us to celebrate Mom’s life. We are forever grateful.

The Bachynski Family

Obituary Francis Mitivier At the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Chatham Campus, on Monday April 19, 2021, Francis “Frank” Alexander Mitivier, of Chatham at the age of 74 years. Son of the late Vera (Marshall) Mitivier and Joseph Mitivier. Frank worked at Nestles and also for Radio Cab. He is survived by daughters Yvonne (Shawn) Dick and Heather Mitivier. Sadly missed by grandchildren Shane and Sarah Dick.

Dear brother of Leo. Predeceased by brothers Joseph and Kenneth. As were Frank’s wishes, there will be no funeral home visitation or service. Cremation has taken place. Donations to the Cancer Society would be appreciated.

Online condolences welcomed at www. peseski.com

For Sale Silk Cemetery Saddle Arrangements. Everyday/Holidays. Ready-to-go. Many colours available. $25. Call 519-354-3411.

I miss your bright blue eyes and your big smile.

I miss the long talks we had.

I miss our fun we had together.

I miss tea and coffee you made in the mornings.

I miss “I love you mom” when you leave the house and “hi mom” when you come home.

I miss most of all that you’re not coming home ever again.

I just miss you everyday.

For Sale Gas lawnmower $60; Adult & Child bike; pair of sawhorses $25; 26” bike wheel & tire $20; Above ground pool, ladder $25.

Phone 519351-4490

All my love Donny Love Mom

OBITUARIES Elizabeth “Elly” (Koch) Jansen 87, Tuesday, April 20, 2021 Kendrick Funeral Home

Lisa DeCook 85, Monday, April 19, 2021 McKinlay Funeral Home

Braedon “B” Burk 20, Wednesday, April 21, 2021 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Jean Rossini 71, Tuesday, April 20, 2021 McKinlay Funeral Home

Carol Lindsay 83, Thursday, April 22, 2021 Blenheim Community Funeral Home

Gary Glousher Sunday, April 18, 2021 Life Transitions

Frank Mitivier 74, Monday, April 19, 2021 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Angela Mercer 67, Friday, April 16, 2021 Life Transitions

Roy Martin Downey 82, Thursday, April 22, 2021 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Vera Drewery 87, Sunday, April 18, 2021 Life Transitions

Marjorie Hall 91, Friday, April 23, 2021 Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home

Robert Borst “Bobby Borst” 80, Thursday, April 22, 2021 Life Transitions

Thomas Frederick Deane 86, Friday, April 23, 2021 McKinlay Funeral Home

Margaret Nan Taylor Wednesday, April 21, 2021 Life Transitions

Maryanne Bruette 70, Saturday, April 17, 2021 McKinlay Funeral Home

Ralph Reinhardus 73, Thursday, April 22, 2021 Life Transitions

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THE CHATHAM VOICE

PAGE 16

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

Business

Park Avenue industrial park sells out Phase 1

By Jenna Cocullo jenna@chathamvoice.com

The new industrial property under construction at Park Avenue East and Sass Road in Chatham is sold out for its Phase 1 lots.

“It’s been going really, really well so far. We started a few weeks ago and are moving forward.

We started right after the COVID lockdown came to an end. So we’ve had no issues yet and are hoping to stay that way,” said Samantha McFadden, director of marketing and public relations for Apollo General Contracting.

The privately developed land will feature 15 lots; eight in its first phase and seven in its second. The company is planning to

finish Phase 1 by June 30, weather permitting.

McFadden said there has been a lot of demand on the space from both commercial and industrial businesses as well as a mix of local and out-oftown buyers.

“I think for the out-oftowners, especially in the Toronto market, it’s so much cheaper than the experience the larger markets offer. It’s so exciting seeing businesses moving to Chatham-Kent,” she said.

McFadden added that the location is ideal for different uses because of its proximity to the Highway 401 and lot spaces, which allow “room for growth.”

Stuart McFadden, director of Chatham-Kent eco-

nomic development, said it was “absolutely phenomenal” to see private businesses developing land in Chatham-Kent, and selling lots quickly to other private businesses.

“When you see private investors doing this and investing in infrastructure, that’s very hopeful to the community because when the municipality has to do it, it costs millions of dollars. This is taking loads off the municipality,” he said. “(Apollo Contracting) are spending millions of dollars servicing the land which is just great that they have the confidence in the market. It will allow the municipality to direct money in other things that have to be fixed and invested in.”

Jenna Cocullo/The Chatham Voice

Heavy equipment works behind a survey crew as preliminary construction progressed quickly at a new Park Avenue West industrial park.

Stuart McFadden attributes the success of reeling in outside businesses to the company, and Economic Development, promoting Chatham-Kent outside of the community.

“So hopefully this marketing we’ve been doing

is bringing awareness to Chatham-Kent,” he said.

Economic Development continues to get phone calls from people and businesses interested in serviced land that is ready to go, however, although there are

a lot of empty spaces, not all are shovel ready.

Stuart McFadden said the next steps for the municipality will be to plan for those lots to ensure they are prepared for future investors.

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