Chatham-Kent (CK) Mayor-elect Michael Bondy is hoping to ease concerns about possible mass layoffs to find savings in the municipal budget.

The Mayor-elect spoke with CK News Today ahead of next week's swearing-in ceremony about his desire to cut spending to help local taxpayers.

He understands why people are waiting to see if there will be a large number of jobs cut since the municipality will spend nearly $200 million on salaries and benefits this year. That said, Bondy said he never had the intention of just eliminating positions to find savings.

He believes if any positions are eliminated, it'll most likely happen through attrition.

"I don't think layoffs are going to be necessary. It's a really big organization, and there are a lot of people who move on to different organizations, a lot of people retire," explained Bondy.

Once he's officially sworn in as mayor, Bondy plans to meet with senior administration about having them go through their departments to try and find redundancies, possible reallocation of funds, and other ways to save money.

While he agreed there may be some tough decisions, he plans to keep his campaign promise of trying to find any savings he can.

"I don't think we can continually raise taxes five to six per cent every year," added Bondy.

He also doesn't want to promise that there will be massive cuts since he hasn't had any discussions with senior leadership. While CK's council ultimately approves the municipality's budget, Bondy explained that he never knew the inner workings of each department like staff and previous mayors have.

"Maybe we can't [find savings]; I don't know the answer. I have to get into the chair before I can really dive into it," said Bondy.

Bondy's also putting his confidence in the municipality's administration, noting that staff does great work and will do what they can to find any savings possible.

Local students are getting a big leg up, thanks to a $259,200 donation from Noelle's Gift to Children.

A cheque was presented Thursday to the Lambton-Kent and St. Clair Catholic District School Boards.

Public Board CEO Gary Girardi is thrilled and said the funds will be put to great use.

"It's used for direct support to our students in all of our schools, from emergency items to things like specific needs for individual students," said Girardi. "The beauty of it is that when the needs arise, Noelle's Gift and the funding that supports our schools goes directly to kids in a rapid fashion, which I think is very helpful to families and individual students. It is an unbelievable partnership and we couldn't be more thankful."

Funding requests for emergency dental, winter coats, and lice kits have been coming in, and it's hoped these funds can assist with that.

Noelle's mother, Lynn Paquette, said some of the money will also support the Ontario Student Nutrition Program.

"That's healthy snacks," she said. "The government only provides 25 cents per day, per child, and you can't even buy an apple for 25 cents. So we supplement some of that for our students in Sarnia-Lambton and Chatham-Kent with the nutrition program."

Meanwhile, Noelle's Gift's annual gala will take place January 23, 2027, at the Four Points by Sheridan Point Edward.

Sponsorship opportunities are available, and you can learn more by visiting their website.

Since its inception, Noelle's Gift has donated over $5 million to various community groups.

The non-profit organization was established in memory of Noelle Paquette. The St. Clair Catholic District School Board kindergarten teacher was killed in January 2013.

Assault charges have been laid against a 36-year-old man from Tilbury after allegations he struck another man in the head with a metal pipe.

Chatham-Kent police said they received a 911 call about a man who had been attacked at his home on St Clair Street in Tilbury shortly after 10 p.m. on Wednesday.

Police noted the victim suffered a cut to the back of his head, swelling to his left hand, and bruising to his back and ribs.

He was taken Chatham-Kent Heath Alliance to have his injuries assessed, police said.

According to police, the suspect was banned from possessing any weapons.

He is facing charges of assault causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and failing to comply with a release order.

A new elementary school is scheduled to open its doors in Chatham next year.

Conseil scolaire Viamonde is confirming that its first school in the municipality will welcome its first students in September.

Many in the community may recognize its location, as it's replacing the former Georges P. Vanier Catholic School on Cecile Avenue. The school closed in recent years, with the St. Clair Catholic District School Board selling the building to Conseil scolaire Viamonde for $1.6 million.

The building will undergo renovations in the coming months, with the plan being for the school to have seven classrooms, a gymnasium equipped with a stage, a library, and office spaces for student support services and administration.

"The spacious property will also provide students with access to green spaces ideal for relaxation, sports, and recreational activities," read a statement from Conseil scolaire Viamonde.

The school board projects that it'll be able to support 215 students from Kindergarten to Grade 8.

The name of the school is expected to be announced in January.

People hoping the school will include childcare facilities may be in luck, as Conseil scolaire Viamonde is trying to secure funding to officially offer the services.

A federal offender wanted on a Canada-wide arrest warrant could be in southwestern Ontario.

The Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement Squad is looking for 36-year-old Kurtis Letts after he breached the conditions of his statutory release.

Letts is described as an Indigenous man with a light complexion, brown hair, hazel eyes, 5'7" tall, and 176 lbs. He also has a number of face tattoos, including "LOVES BLIND" on his right cheek, "4VBY LIFE" on his left check, and tear drops under both eyes.

He's serving a two-and-a-half year sentence for armed robbery, assault causing bodily harm, and assaulting a peace officer with a weapon.

Letts is also known to frequent the Greater Toronto Area, Peterborough, Barrie, and Northern Ontario.

Anyone who has contact with Letts is asked to call the Provincial ROPE Squad at 416-808-5900, toll free at 1-866-870-7673, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or 911.

A new report by the Ontario School Board Council of Unions and the Canadian Union of Public Employees suggests staffing levels in Ontario schools are in crisis.

For years, teachers' unions have fought to reduce class sizes and increase the number of education workers in the classroom. The report released this week is built on a series of reports released last year on understaffing in Ontario schools, in which 92.3 per cent of respondents to a survey said more staff was needed.

Increased staffing is a centrepiece of the CUPE-OSBCU bargaining proposals in this year's round of negotiations with the province.

The report, called "Understaffing of Education Workers in Ontario Schools - The Case for Dedicated Investment for More Staff to Support Students," says although student needs have increased, there are fewer educational assistants, designated early childhood educators, custodians, office staff, library technicians, professional staff, and tradesworkers employed by Ontario school boards.

CanStockPhoto.com photo

There's been a 51 per cent increase in students diagnosed with autism, a 34 per cent increase in students with behavioural exceptionalities, and a 27 per cent increase in students with multiple exceptionalities. Despite that, fewer elementary students are enrolled in special education now than in 2018-19.

Declining enrollment is linked to long wait times to get assessments and insufficient staffing numbers to assess student needs and offer support.

The number of kindergarten classes without a dedicated early childhood educator increased from 13,983 to 19,240 last year.

A total of 30 school boards reduced their number of custodians. Seventy per cent of custodians surveyed said they sometimes can't complete all their daily tasks because there's too much work and too few custodians, and 41 per cent admit there are parts of their school that are not cleaned daily.

Likewise, secretarial and clerical staff have had more work downloaded onto them, and 95 per cent of school office staff say they can't complete all of their assigned duties in a day.

A startling 91 per cent of tradespersons employed by school boards also say work orders are sometimes delayed or go undone because there aren't enough staff to get the work done.

Professional staff include psychologists, speech and language pathologists, child and youth workers, and social workers.

The report notes 37.7 per cent of school boards cut psychological professionals, while 30.8 per cent cut child and youth workers.

Grade 6 classroom at St. John Vianney School, September 21, 2016. (Photo by Maureen Revait)

The report doesn't offer recommendations beyond hiring more staff. It calls for dedicated funding for hiring, a commitment to putting a designated early childhood educator and educational assistant in every kindergarten class and a cap of 26 students in kindergarten.

"A substantial investment in education is needed, specifically an investment in more staff to meet student needs," said the report.

OHL

Guelph 5 London 2

Barrie 4 Owen Sound 3 (OT)

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GOHL

St. Thomas 3 LaSalle 4 (OT)

Sarnia 2 London 4

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PJHL

Dresden 2 Wheatley 7

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NHL

Tampa Bay 8 Buffalo 3

NY Rangers 3 Calgary 1

Philadelphia 2 Edmonton 3 (OT)

Utah 3 Vegas 5

Pittsburgh 3 San Jose 2 (SO)

Nashville 4 Anaheim 2

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NBA

Washington 101 Indiana 114

Cleveland 115 New York 107

Boston 98 Toronto 93

Denver 123 Memphis 118

Brooklyn 145 New Orleans 111

LA Lakers 123 Milwaukee 112

San Antonio 124 Chicago 119

Orlando 123 Utah 108

Golden State 108 Houston 115

Oklahoma City 108 Portland 118

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Thursday's Games

OHL

Kitchener at Erie, 11 a.m. 

Sarnia at North Bay, 7 p.m.

Kingston at Peterborough, 7:05 p.m.

Ottawa at Saginaw, 7:05 p.m.

Niagara at Windsor, 7:05 p.m.

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GOHL

LaSalle at Ayr, 7 p.m.

Woodstock at Sarnia, 7 p.m.

Elmira at Brantford, 7:30 p.m.

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PJHL

Port Stanley at Petrolia, 7:30 p.m.

Blenheim at Walpole Island, 7:30 p.m.

Exeter at North Middlesex, 8:30 p.m.

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NHL

Carolina at Seattle, 12 p.m.

Montreal at Boston, 7 p.m.

Colorado at Ottawa, 7 p.m.

Minnesota at Toronto, 7 p.m.

Washington at New Jersey, 7 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Columbus, 7 p.m.

Detroit at Florida, 7:30 p.m.

Winnipeg at Dallas, 8 p.m.

Buffalo at Chicago, 8 p.m.

St. Louis at Utah, 9 p.m.

NY Islanders at Los Angeles, 10 p.m.

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NBA

Detroit at Washington, 7 p.m.

Toronto at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

Dallas at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

Charlotte at Phoenix, 9 p.m.

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NFL

Washington at NY Giants, 8:15 p.m.

The murder trial of Kimberly Price had a day off on Wednesday because the court in Chatham was closed for Remembrance Day, but the trial will continue Thursday.

Price, 55, is charged with murdering Henry Neudorf of Tilbury on January 11, 2024 following a heated argument the previous day at their house on Queen Street North in Tilbury.

Price has new release orders. She will now live in the Town of Essex after living in Sudbury with her surety over the past year.

Price has signed a formal, legally binding written promise stating that she will show up to all required trial dates over the next three weeks and must pay $10,000 if she fails to attend her trial dates or violates her new bail conditions.

The judge will also revoke her release conditions and issue an arrest warrant if she doesn't show up to court.

Other release conditions imposed by Justice Bruce Thomas include not possessing or owning any weapons, not attending Chatham-Kent except to attend court, and wearing an ankle monitor. Price must also be with her surety at all times.

On Monday, the first day of trial, the court heard that Neudorf died of blunt force trauma. He was also smothered and strangled.

His body was discovered in a ditch on Townline Road, north of Maple Line in Dover Township on January 12, 2024.

As Remembrance Day ceremonies took place across the country, hundreds of people came to Chatham's downtown core to pay their respects.

You could hear a pin drop as residents participated in a moment of silence at the Chatham Cenotaph.

Wednesday's ceremonies began with a parade that included a marching band, Veterans, Peacekeepers, air cadets, Chatham-Kent (CK) Mayor Darrin Canniff, and other municipal officials.

Their route began at the Royal Canadian Legion on William Street in Chatham. It stopped at the Cenotaph on 6th Street before turning around and heading back.

A parade stopped at the Chatham Cenotaph for Remembrance Day (photo by Georgia Newman)

A local high school band was also in attendance, playing God Save the King, Reveille, and the Canadian Anthem.

"That is always good to see the youth because I remember being a teenager and doing the parades," said Veteran James Setterington. "It always felt good there to see youth partake because how else can they see, listen, and learn."

Four fighter jets took to the sky above the ceremony, while four rifles were fired three times.

Wreaths and poppies laid by residents at the Chatham Cenotaph (Photo by Georgia Newman)

Wreaths were added to the cenotaph to honour the fallen soldiers, and then residents lined up to lay their poppies among the wreaths.

Ceremonies were held all across CK, including Blenheim, Bothwell, Dresden, Erieau, Merlin, Ridgetown, Tilbury, and Wheatley.

Remembrance Day ceremonies are wrapping up across the province, bringing with it a question for many: what should I do with my poppy?

The easiest answer is to leave it on wreaths at the local cenotaph, where they've been set up to honour all the veterans who've passed away.

For anyone who can't attend a ceremony, the simplest answer is to throw it away.

But Len Maynard, a 30-year veteran and the former president of the Chatham Legion, says that while it may seem disrespectful, there are no protocols asking people not to do it.

"It did its purpose. People displayed it for the right reasons at the right time," he said.

Maynard understands that some may want to avoid putting their poppies in the trash. For these people, he encourages leaving them at local legions, as many will set up collection boxes, visiting the cenotaph later in the day and placing them on a wreath, and simply setting them aside for next year.

For Maynard, one of the best ways to show your respect is to leave your poppy on the grave of a veteran.

"That would mean a lot to a lot of veterans and their families," he said.

There are several cemeteries across Ontario that have dedicated areas for veterans. This includes Soldier's Field in Chatham, Lakeview Cemetery in Sarnia, and Windsor Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

A Chatham-Kent woman who was sexually assaulted in the municipality in 1997 is speaking out about her ordeal and the ensuing trauma it caused.

Jenny Gibson was one of three teenage girls and one adult woman abducted from streets in Chatham, Thamesville, and Sarnia, driven to remote locations, and violently sexually assaulted between March and August 1997.

The two Chatham-Kent incidents occurred on May 23, 1997 along former Highway 21 in Thamesville and August 20, 1997 along Grand Avenue West in Chatham.

Jason Davidson, 53, formerly of Chatham, was sentenced to 13 years in prison in early November.

Gibson told CK News Today the sentence was too light, adding it has been a difficult time because she didn't feel like anyone believed her at the time of the sexual assaults.

"If it was your daughters, if it was their daughters, would it (sentence) be enough? Law enforcement when it happened was despicable, I was treated like garbage. They scoffed at me, it was horrible," said Gibson.

Gibson said she is truly grateful for the police investigation and that she didn't have to testify at a trial because Davidson pleaded guilty.

"I did get an apology from the Detective Inspector recently. All of the officers that have taken up the case since then, I'm so grateful to. It's kind of an insult to their years of work. They put in more years of work than this guy will serve [in prison]," Gibson noted.

She said the sentence gives her some closure, but she still fears what may come after Davidson is released.

"You know there's a lot of things I can just close the book on, now nobody can argue it. I'll probably feel better in a year. I'm still bitter and I'm not terrified at the moment, but I might be in 13 years or 11," she added.

Gibson also fears for her granddaughter's safety when Davidson gets out of jail.

Davidson must provide a DNA sample and will be added to the National Sex Offender Registry for life, is banned for 10 years from attending public parks and swimming areas where persons under the age of 16 are or could be present, and is banned from daycares, schools, playgrounds, and community centres during that period.

He's also prohibited from having a position of authority or trust towards persons under the age of 16 for 10 years and will be prohibited from possessing weapons.

OHL

Sault Ste. Marie 1 Sudbury 4

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PJHL

Mooretown 0 Essex 3

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NHL

Colorado 6 Toronto 3

New Jersey 2 Winnipeg 4

Washington 3 Ottawa 2 (OT)

Minnesota 2 Montreal 1 (OT )

Florida 4 Columbus 1

Detroit 2 St. Louis 3

Nashville 3 Los Angeles 0

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NBA

Milwaukee 85 New York 117

Boston 123 Philadelphia 101

Miami 115 Utah 109

LA Clippers 110 Phoenix 133

Orlando 107 Sacramento 100

Oklahoma City 103 Portland 123

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Wednesday's Games

OHL

Guelph at London, 6:30 p.m.

Barrie at Owen Sound, 7 p.m.

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GOHL

St. Thomas at LaSalle, 7 p.m.

Sarnia at London, 7 p.m.

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PJHL

Dresden at Wheatley, 7:30 p.m.

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NHL

Tampa Bay at Buffalo, 7 p.m.

NY Rangers at Calgary, 7:30 p.m.

Philadelphia at Edmonton, 9 p.m.

Utah at Vegas, 9:30 p.m.

Pittsburgh at San Jose, 10 p.m.

Nashville at Anaheim, 10 p.m.

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NBA

Washington at Indiana, 7 p.m.

Cleveland at New York, 7 p.m.

Boston at Toronto, 7 p.m.

Denver at Memphis, 8 p.m.

Brooklyn at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

LA Lakers at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.

San Antonio at Chicago, 8 p.m.

Orlando at Utah, 9 p.m.

Golden State at Houston, 9:30 p.m.

Oklahoma City at Portland, 10 p.m.

A large donation of food has been given to multiple Chatham-Kent food banks thanks to the annual CK Helping Hands 'Fill the Bus' fundraiser.

Donations were collected on Saturday at grocery stores in Chatham, Wallaceburg, and Tilbury, with four watermelon bins being filled.

Most of the food was given to Outreach for Hunger. The donations are needed as the food bank continues to see new faces come through its doors, asking for help.

"With the cost of living continuing to rise, more families and individuals are turning to food banks for support. These organizations are working hard to help take some of that financial burden off those who need it most," said Tim Haskell, one of the many who volunteered during the fundraiser.

Donations collected in Tilbury were given to a local food bank, with the rest being given to Outreach for Hunger.

Over $250 in cash was also donated during the fundraiser.

The search continues for a Chatham man convicted of first-degree murder who escaped from a correctional facility.

Mason Jenkins, who was given a life sentence for the 1998 killing of his sister, disappeared from Collins Bay Institution in Kingston on September 24, 2026.

Despite being missing for over six weeks, Jenkins remains at large.

According to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), finding Jenkins remains a top priority.

"The OPP's Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement Squad has been engaged and is actively assisting with efforts to apprehend this individual," said Mike Stoddart, OPP Chief Superintendent of the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau.

Because the investigation is ongoing, the OPP aren't providing any details about their search efforts. This includes whether there have been any tips or information to suggest that Jenkins was or is in Chatham-Kent (CK).

CK police told CK News Today that they've followed up on all potential tips about Jenkins being in the municipality.

"At this time, there is no information to suggest that Mason Jenkins has been, or is currently, in Chatham-Kent," read a statement from CK police.

Anyone who has information on Jenkins whereabouts is asked to contact their local police force. If you cross paths, you're encouraged not to approach and instead call 9-1-1.

One of the two Consulates General for the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Canada is throwing support behind a documentary highlighting a deadly workplace tragedy in Dresden.

Consul General Marjan Schippers is advocating on behalf of 'Dresden 1957,' a documentary that tells the story of an excavation collapse that killed six Dutch immigrant workers.

"The film gives Dutch-Canadians a specific and deeply human story through which to connect with their heritage and with one another," she said.

Schippers has a connection to Dresden, as her parents lived in the community when the tragedy happened. This made her one of the few outside of the area who knew about the tragedy, something Director Eric Philpott was surprised to find out when he first started researching the incident.

Philpott is highlighting Schippers' support as the project is in need of around $120,000 to ensure it'll be ready to be showcased next year on the 70th anniversary of the tragedy. So far, around $360,000 has been invested into the documentary.

“We’re in the home stretch, and the film is taking shape before our eyes. We’re asking local businesses and organizations to help us finish it so that we can mark the 70th anniversary together with these families and the community," added Philpott.

More information about the documentary, including how to sponsor the film, can be found online.

The Chatham-Kent Workforce Planning Board (CKWPB) has opened its EmployerOne Survey.

It is a 20-minute survey that is completed online. The questionnaire asks employers about the workforce challenges and successes in the last year (2025/26), as well as expectations and hiring needs for the next year (2026/27).

The hope is to strengthen the local workforce with firsthand knowledge of employment and hiring trends that influence local workforce development activities.

"It is important to hear from employers so we have reliable information that helps guide and develop our workforce to meet local needs," said CKWPB Chair Ron Coristine.

The survey is open throughout the month of November, and those who complete the survey will be entered into a draw to win a $200 team lunch.

Parades and ceremonies honouring Canada's veterans and active service members will affect driving conditions on Wednesday.

The municipality says that there will be road closures in various communities across Chatham-Kent to accommodate Remembrance Day parade routes.

Blenheim - 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The parade will start at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #185 (34 Catherine Street) and proceed north on Catherine Street, east on Talbot Street West, and north on George Street to St. Mary's Hall (94 George Street) for a Remembrance Day service. After the service, the parade will reform and proceed south on George Street, west on Talbot Street West, and south on Catherine Street, before ending up back at the Legion.

Bothwell - 10:45 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Starting at Zone Township Central School (730 Main Street North), the parade will then proceed south on Main Street North to the Cenotaph (334 Main Street North) for a Remembrance Day Service. After the service, the parade will reform and proceed south on Main Street North, east on George Street East, and conclude at Royal Canadian Legion Branch #252 (162 George Street East).

Main Street North between Chestnut Street and Elm Street will be closed during the Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph.

Chatham - 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The parade will begin at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 642 (39 William Street North) and proceed south on William Street, then west on King Street West to the Cenotaph on Sixth Street for Remembrance Day service. After the service, the parade will reform and head east on King Street West and north on William Street before finishing up back at the Legion.

King Street West between Fifth Street and William Street, and Sixth Street between King Street West and Simcoe Lane will be closed during the Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph.

Dresden - 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Starting at CK Fire Station 6 (185 Lindsley Street), the parade will proceed west on Lindsley Street, then south on St. George Street South to the Cenotaph on Queen Street for Remembrance Day service. After the service, the parade will go west on Queen Street West, north on Centre Street, east on Lindsley Street, and conclude at CK Fire Station 6.

Queen Street West between Centre Street and St. George Street South will be closed during the Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph.

Erieau - 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The parade will start at 875 Mariners Road and go east on Mariners Road, north on Nichols Avenue, and west on Ross Lane to the Veterans Memorial Garden. After a wreath-laying ceremony, the parade will reform and head west on Ross Lane for 200 m, south on the CK Fire service road, east on Mariners Road and conclude back where it started.

Merlin - 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Starting at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 465 (2 Stanley Street), the parade will head west on Stanley Street, north on Erie Street South, and continue on Erie Street North to the Cenotaph at Kinsmen Park for a wreath service. After the wreath service, the parade will reform and proceed south on Erie Street North, east on Aberdeen to the Merlin Community Hall (150 Aberdeen Street) for a Remembrance Day service. After that, the parade will go west on Aberdeen Street, south on Erie Street South, and east on Stanley Street, before finishing up at the Legion.

Ridgetown - 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The parade will start at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #243 (73 Main Street East) and head south on Broadway Avenue, west on Ebenezer Street East, north on Church Street, and east on Main Street East to the Cenotaph for a Remembrance Day service. After the service, the parade will reform and proceed east on Main Street East, south on Broadway Avenue, and conclude back at the Legion.

Main Street East between Church Street and Broadway Avenue will be closed during the Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph.

Tilbury - 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Starting at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 206 (4 Stewart Avenue), the parade will proceed west on Stewart Avenue, then north on Queen Street to the Cenotaph for a Remembrance Day service. After the service, the procession will gather on Queen Street, then go south on Queen Street and east on Stewart Avenue before concluding at the Legion.

Queen Street South between Canal Street and Crawford Avenue will be closed during the Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph.

NHL

NY Rangers 1 Edmonton 3

Philadelphia 3 Vancouver 1

NY Islanders 2 San Jose 3 (SO)

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NBA

LA Lakers 124 Atlanta 114

Washington 111 Detroit 122

Cleveland 112 Charlotte 124

Memphis 118 Toronto 102

Indiana 122 Dallas 125

Denver 100 Houston 110 

San Antonio 122 Phoenix 96

New Orleans 87 Golden State 138

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NFL

Buffalo 23 Minnesota 6

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Tuesday's Games

OHL

Sault Ste. Marie at Sudbury, 10:30 a.m.

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PJHL

Mooretown at Essex, 7 p.m.

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NHL

New Jersey at Winnipeg, 7 p.m.

Washington at Ottawa, 7 p.m.

Colorado at Toronto, 7 p.m.

Minnesota at Montreal, 7 p.m.

Florida at Columbus, 7:30 p.m.

Detroit at St. Louis, 8 p.m.

Nashville at Los Angeles, 10 p.m.

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NBA

Milwaukee at New York, 7:30 p.m.

Boston at Philadelphia, 8 p.m.

Miami at Utah, 9 p.m.

LA Clippers at Phoenix, 9 p.m.

Orlando at Sacramento, 10 p.m.

Oklahoma City at Portland, 11 p.m.

Hensall Co-op has awarded seven students from the Chatham-Kent and midwestern Ontario areas with scholarships for post-secondary education.

The Bright Futures Scholarships will award each of the seven recipients with $2,500 to be used towards their education in agriculture or a field or trade that will advance rural communities and economies, according to an announcement from Hensall Co-op.

Abby Pepper and Makenna Coutts from Chatham-Kent, and Tyler Boven, Olivia Terpstra, Natasha Van Straaten, Jaden Dietrich, and Hayley Davidson from midwestern Ontario have received the Bright Futures Scholarship.

"The future of agriculture is in the hands of the next generation. These individuals are a pivotal part our rural communities and the overall Canadian economy. We support their education and look forward to seeing how they grow the field long into the future," shared Brad Chandler, CEO of Hensall Co-op.

Recipents:

Abby Pepper (Merlin, ON) – Attending Olds College in Alberta, studying Agribusiness.

Hayley Davidson (Central Huron, ON) – Attending Laurentian University, studying for her Bachelor of Architectural Studies.

Jaden Dietrich (South Huron, ON) – Attending the University of Guelph and working towards her Agricultural Diploma.

Makenna Coutts (Chatham, ON) – Attending the University of Guelph, working towards her Associate Diploma in Agriculture.

Natasha Van Straaten (Perth East, ON) – Attending the University of Guelph, studying Neuroscience through the Department of Biological Science.

Olivia Terpstra (Huron East, ON) – Attending the University of Guelph and working towards her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.

Tyler Boven (Central Huron, ON) – Attending the University of Guelph and working towards her Agricultural Diploma.

The Detroit Tigers now have their sixth American League Rookie of the Year in the franchise’s 126-year history.

The Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) announced on Monday evening that its members have voted Detroit infielder Kevin McGonigle the A.L.'s top rookie. He received 204 points, including 28 out of 30 first-place votes.

McGonigle beat out shortlisted pitchers Parker Messick of the Cleveland Guardians, who had 122 points and two first-place votes, and Payton Tolle of the Boston Red Sox, with 54 points.

He was recognized for a .278 batting average, 18 home runs, and 168 hits in 2026. McGonigle also drove in 72 runs and stole 12 bases.

The 22-year-old has already won Baseball America's Rookie of the Year Award and has been voted the same by the players in the Sporting News' version.

McGonigle was a bright spot in what had been a disappointing year for Detroit. The Tigers were expected to contend for the American League Central Division crown and reach the playoffs for the third year in a row. However, injuries to key players and others underperforming reduced the Tigers to a 76-86 record, nine games behind the champion Guardians.

The five Tigers who have won this award before McGonigle include infielder Harvey Kuenn in 1953, pitcher Mark Fidrych in 1976, second baseman Lou Whitaker in 1978, pitcher Justin Verlander in 2005, and pitcher Michael Fulmer in 2016.

Infielder Kazuma Okamoto was the Toronto Blue Jays' top vote-getter for Rookie of the Year, finishing seventh with 17 points, including one vote for third place.

In the National League, the BBWAA named infielder Sal Stewart of the Cincinnati Reds as the top rookie. Stewart beat out finalists Carson Benge of the New York Mets and J.J. Wetherholt of the St. Louis Cardinals.

The trial for a Tilbury woman charged with first-degree murder in the killing of her Tilbury roommate is underway in Chatham.

Kimberly Price, 55, is charged with murdering Henry Neudorf of Tilbury.

The judge alone trial got underway on Monday and is expected to last three weeks.

The court heard that Neudorf and Price's son, David Trealout, had an argument on January 10, 2024 at their house just north of Tilbury that involved Neudorf getting struck in the head several times and threatened by Trealout with a broken bottle held to his throat.

Chatham-Kent police responded to a 911 call made by Treatlout after the argument, but no charges were laid and police left, the court was told. The court also heard that Trealout threatened to kill Neudorf with a knife.

The court was told that Neudorf was killed on January 11, 2024 and his cause of death was blunt force trauma with Trealout's DNA found on a cast iron frying pan put inside a garbage bag.

Neudorf's sister Margaret Froese and daughter Rachel Neudorf started the testimony telling the court they were worried about Neudorf because he had gone missing and filed a missing person's report with Chatham-Kent police.

Chatham-Kent police and the man who found the body also testified on Monday. Neudorf's body was discovered at the side of Townline Road, north of Maple Line in Dover Township on January 12, 2024.

Price was released on bail in November 2025 and was under house arrest living with her surety, her cousin, in Sudbury.

Trealout was sentenced in September to life in prison with no chance of parole for 15 years after pleading guilty to second degree murder in September 2025.

The trial continues on Tuesday.

The Ontario government is recognizing a Blenheim agriculture business with multiple awards.

Drone Spray Canada received two of the annual Excellence in Agriculture Awards.

It was given the Minister’s Award and the Research and Innovation Excellence Award.

According to the province, Drone Spray Canada was chosen due to its emergence as a leader in agricultural drone technology.

Miles Weishar, the marketing manager for Drone Spray Canada, told CK News Today that the company is happy to be playing any part in an emerging field.

"We certainly like to advocate and lead in the industry, but we're proud of what everyone's doing in the industry," he said.

Drone Spray Canada was created in 2020, and now supplies farmers with drones while teaching them how to use them. Weishar explained that drones can be used for several different tasks, but most farmers use them to help spread pesticides and other chemicals.

He believes drones will have a big part to play in the future of agriculture.

"We like to joke that this is the future of farming and the future is here, although it is still very new," added Weishar.

The other six businesses to receive an award hail from Ottawa, Middlesex County, the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, Temiskaming District, Wellington County, and the Regional Municipality of Durham.

Meanwhile, the province used the awards ceremony to announce new funding for 4-H Ontario.

Over the next three years, the organization will receive $2.3 million to help deliver youth engagement programs aimed at preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders.

A Wallaceburg resident is in the running to win a podcast deal produced by iHeartRadio.

According to Brian Legrow, owner of Bayman Shed Works, it all began after he created a TikTok account, which now has over 14,000 followers.

"I get an email from someone from TikTok that says, 'Here's the form. Fill this out. You'd be good at this.' And I said, 'Well, what have I got to lose?' And about six weeks later I get a notification from iHeart that I made the top 100," Legrow explained.

The competition, Top Host, gives the winner a six-episode podcast series produced by iHeart Radio, a $25,000 grand prize, and they will be a guest on an episode of On Air with Ryan Seacrest.

Legrow added that so far he has made it into the top 5, with voting ending on November 12.

"We haven't won the contest yet, but we're really, really excited to be there," said Legrow, who currently sits in third place.

Voting is done online, with Legrow posting updates on his Facebook.

Over 1,000 homes across Chatham-Kent (CK) have found new owners so far this year.

The Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors (CKAR) released its monthly report on Monday, highlighting 1,048 sales in the first 10 months of 2026.

This is up slightly from 2025, which saw 1,044 sales during the same period.

October alone saw 101 sales, down slightly year-over-year. The average cost of these homes was around $398,000.

"Our local market has been going back and forth between buyer’s and balanced markets for the past while, and October had us back in a balanced market. Sales were moderate while new listings came in on the stronger side, a trend that has been playing out and causing overall inventories to steadily rise," said Carrie Patrick, President of CKAR.

A total of 544 homes are currently listed across CK. Over 230 new listings were added in October.

The Chatham Maroons had one of their better games in a loss against the best team so far this season in the Greater Ontario Hockey League (GOHL).

The team was in St. Marys on Friday, taking on a Lincolns team that had lost just one game this season. Despite scoring five times, the Maroons lost 6-5.

Santiago Jimenes opened the scoring for the Maroons early in the first period with a power-play goal. His sixth goal of the season was unassisted.

St. Marys would score twice to take a one goal lead into the first intermission.

The second period started the same way the first ended, with St. Marys scoring twice.

Jimenes would start a comeback with his second goal of the game. Getting the assists were Aidan Edwards and Parker Nyitray.

Andrew Baker would score his seventh of the season before the period wrapped up, putting the Maroons back within a goal. Jimenes and Boris Genov with the assists.

It didn't take long for the Maroons to tie the game in the third period as Matteo Mosca found the back of the net less than two minutes in. His fifth goal was assisted by Nyitray and Eric Wood.

St. Marys would retake the lead a few minutes later, but Jimenes was able to once again tie the game with his third goal of the game. The lone assist on the play went to Nyitray.

This was as close as the Maroons would get to winning the game as St. Marys regained the lead with just over three minutes left to play.

Gannon Hunter made 26 saves in the loss.

The Maroons were able to get back in the win column two days later, shutting out the LaSalle Vipers 4-0 at home.

Xandre Aitken opened the scoring in the second period with his third goal of the season. Grady Dale and Cooper Bordeaux assisted on the goal.

Baker added his eighth goal later in the period from Dylan Richter and Eddie Hickson.

Parker Nyitray put the game out of reach in the third with his 12th goal. Edwards and Jimenes with the assists.

Emmett Maher wrapped up the scoring with his first career GOHL goal.

Hunter made 30 saves for his eighth win of the season.

The win and loss over the weekend put the Maroons' record at 12-5-0-0.

They'll try to improve their record on Friday, as they once again travel to St. Marys to take on the Lincolns.

There will be closures in the municipality as people pause to honour Canada's veterans.

Municipal offices and most services will be closed on Wednesday in recognition of Remembrance Day. This includes fleet services, housing services, tourism services, the administration offices of emergency service departments, and employment and social services.

Entegrus and Chatham-Kent's (CK) Public Utilities Commission will also be closed.

CK Public Health will be closed for the holiday, and Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) will have altered services. CKHA is encouraging anyone with a scheduled appointment to show up, as necessary departments will be staffed to facilitate this. Hemodialysis Care will be open, as will Emergency Departments at both CKHA locations in Chatham and Wallaceburg.

Leaf and Yard depots, landfills, and curbside garbage and recycling pickup will not be affected by the holiday.

Libraries, theatres, galleries, and museums will be closed. Pools and arenas will be open as usual.

Those who use public transportation are in luck as Ride CK Transit services will be operating on Wednesday.

Windsor and Chatham-Kent Police are among 15 police services that helped arrest 17 people in an Ontario Provincial Police probe into child sexual exploitation.

Project Brace was a province-wide online child exploitation investigation to identify and apprehend suspects who are accused of making, possessing, and distributing child sexual abuse material.

None of those arrested is from the Windsor or Chatham areas, but the 17 individuals, aged 28 to 56, are from Toronto, Whitby, Niagara Falls, Smith Falls, Brockville, Kingston, Milton, and Barrie.

Provincial police partners have noted a significant increase in reports of online child sexual exploitation and child sexual abuse materials in recent years.

"Online offenders are increasingly leveraging digital technologies to access and exploit children and youth," aid OPP Detective Staff Sergeant Tara Clark. "Through social media, gaming platforms, messaging applications, and peer-to-peer networks, they use deceptive tactics to groom victims, distribute child sexual abuse material, and evade detection. Combating these crimes requires vigilance, education, and collective action from families, communities, industry partners, and law enforcement."

The investigation did not directly identify victims, and 23 cases initiated by investigators remain active.

OHL

Windsor 4 Kingston 3

London 2 Sarnia 4

Niagara 2 Peterborough 3 (OT)

Barrie 3 Sudbury 6

Brampton 4 Saginaw 6

Brantford 5 Oshawa 2

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GOHL

St. Marys 6 Listowel 1

Caledonia 5 Pelham 3

LaSalle 0 Chatham 4

Sarnia 2 Elmira 6

St. Thomas 6 Welland 2

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PJHL

Walpole Island 1 Amherstburg 11

North Middlesex 5 Aylmer 6 (OT)

Picton 2 Amherstview 4

Essex 4 Blenheim 1

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NHL

Florida 1 Boston 4

Vegas 4 Buffalo 1

Tampa Bay 3 Winnipeg 4

New Jersey 4 Toronto 0

Philadelphia 3 Calgary 4 (OT )

Pittsburgh 2 Anaheim 5

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NFL

Detroit 19 Miami 9

Cincinnati 34 Atlanta 17

Dallas 27 Indianapolis 23

NY Jets 12 Kansas City 35

Cleveland 22 New Orleans 23 (OT)

NY Giants 19 Philadelphia 11

LA Rams 20 Washington 13

Denver 26 Carolina 21

Houston 44 LA Chargers 22

Green Bay 45 New England 27

Las Vegas 17 San Francisco 38

Arizona 3 Seattle 17

Tampa Bay 24 Chicago 27

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NBA

Philadelphia 127 Chicago 121

LA Lakers 121 Detroit 116

Utah 100 Minnesota 115

Brooklyn 93 Dallas 130

Boston 117 Milwaukee 97

New Orleans 123 LA Clippers 139

Miami 114 Sacramento 108

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Monday's Games

NHL

NY Rangers at Edmonton, 8 p.m.

Philadelphia at Vancouver, 9:30 p.m.

NY Islanders at San Jose, 10 p.m.

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NBA

LA Lakers at Atlanta, 7 p.m.

Washington at Detroit, 7 p.m.

Cleveland at Charlotte, 7 p.m.

Memphis at Toronto, 7:30 p.m.

Indiana at Dallas, 8 p.m.

Denver at Houston, 8:30 p.m.

San Antonio at Phoenix, 9 p.m.

New Orleans at Golden State, 10 p.m.

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NFL

Buffalo at Minnesota, 8:15 p.m.

OHL

North Bay 6 at Guelph 10

Kitchener 3 at Owen Sound 2

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GOHL

Elmira 5 LaSalle 3

London 2 at Strathroy 6

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PJHL

Wheatley 4 Amherstburg 5

Wingham 2 Mount Forest 7

Mitchell 4 Kincardine 2

Exeter 2 Mt. Brydges 4

Lakeshore 4 Mooretown 3

Walkerton 0 Hanover 8

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NHL

Florida 3 at Washington 4

St. Louis 1 at Nashville 3

NY Rangers 4 at Seattle 3

Montreal 4 at Toronto 2

Utah 2 at Ottawa 4

New Jersey 5 at NY Islanders 4 (OT)

San Jose 3 at Dallas 4

Chicago 2 at Carolina 9

Tampa Bay 4 at Minnesota 3 (OT)

Pittsburgh 5 at Los Angeles Kings 2

Detroit 0 at Colorado 4

Vancouver 2 at Edmonton 4

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NBA

Denver 114 at Indiana 102

Brooklyn 121 at Atlanta 124

Washington 75 at Oklahoma City 114

New York 109 at Cleveland 97

Orlando 119 at Golden State 126 (OT)

Houston 99 at Phoenix 102

San Antonio 125 at Portland 103

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CFL Playoffs

East Finals: Winnipeg 23 Montreal 33

West Finals: BC 16 Edmonton 28

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Sunday's Games

OHL

Windsor at Kingston, 2:05 PM

London at Sarnia, 2:05 PM

Brampton at Saginaw, 5:30 PM

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GOHL

St. Marys at Listowel 2 PM

Caledonia at Pelham 2:45 PM

LaSalle at Chatham 7 PM

Sarnia at Elmira 7 PM

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PJHL

Walpole at Amherstburg 4 PM

North Middlesex at Aylmer 8:15 PM

Picton at Amherstview 7:30 PM

Essex at Blenheim 7 PM

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NHL

Florida at Boston, 1:00 PM

Vegas at Buffalo, 3:30 PM

Tampa Bay at Winnipeg, 6:00 PM

New Jersey at Toronto, 7:00 PM

Philadelphia at Calgary, 7:00 PM

Pittsburgh at Anaheim, 8:00 PM

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NFL

Cincinnati at Atlanta, 9:30 AM

Dallas at Indianapolis, 1:00 PM

NY Jets at Kansas City, 1:00 PM

Detroit at Miami, 1:00 PM

Cleveland at New Orleans, 1:00 PM

NY Giants at Philadelphia, 1:00 PM

LA Rams at Washington, 1:00 PM

Denver at Carolina, 1:00 PM

Houston at LA Chargers, 4:05 PM

Green Bay at New England, 4:25 PM

Las Vegas at San Francisco, 4:25 PM

Arizona at Seattle, 4:25 PM

Tampa Bay at Chicago, 8:20 PM

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NBA

Philadelphia at Chicago, 3:30 PM

LA Lakers at Detroit, 6:00 PM

Utah at Minnesota, 7:00 PM

Brooklyn at Dallas, 7:30 PM

Boston at Milwaukee, 8:00 PM

New Orleans at LA Clippers, 9:00 PM

Miami at Sacramento, 9:00 PM

The final day of the year to drop off household hazardous waste in Chatham-Kent will be this coming week.

Veolia Environmental Services said it will take place on Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at their facility at 141 Prosperity Way in the Bloomfield Business Park on the outskirts of Chatham.

Accepted materials include cleaning chemicals like pool chemicals, bleach, ammonia, gasoline, oil, paint, pesticides, light bulbs, batteries, cleaning fluids, solvents, pharmaceuticals, and needles from residents only.

Computers, televisions, printers, cell phones, and BBQ propane tanks up to 30 pounds only will also be accepted.

Not accepted are commercial, industrial, and agricultural waste, infectious or radioactive waste, PCBs, explosives, such as flares or ammunition, propane tanks over 30 pounds, and empty containers.

The municipality reminds the public that all material must be in clearly labelled, sealed containers no larger than 20 litres, and that the maximum accepted quantity is 50 litres of waste material.

Needles must be delivered in rigid puncture-proof containers.

Those dropping off materials are asked to stay in their vehicle and to not mix different types of material.

Veolia Environmental Services said dropping off materials will be more challenging on Tuesday because the 7th Concession will be closed at Bloomfield Road due to construction.

They're asking the public to follow Bloomfield Road to the 8th Concession (County Road 14), turn West to Dillon Road, then turn North to the 7th Concession, and turn East to Prosperity Way.

The Chatham-Kent Board of Health is being asked to join many other boards of health in endorsing amendments to a provincial bill aimed at better protecting children and youth from vaping-related harms.

A recommendation going before board members on Monday says the high prevalence of nicotine vaping among Ontario youth continues to raise concern.

The report cites many gaps remaining in the regulation of vapour products despite provincial progress in tobacco control policies, declining smoking rates, and reduced exposure to secondhand smoke.

In Chatham-Kent (CK), self-reported vaping amongst high school students is higher than the provincial average at approximately 20 per cent, according to data from the Lambton-Kent District School Board in 2024, cited in the report.

"Youth who vape nicotine are also more likely to start smoking tobacco cigarettes or develop a substance use disorder in the future," said Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada.

According to the report, excessive vaping advertising and promotion, attractive fruit, candy, and dessert flavours, and easy access to vapour products increase attraction to vaping.

Nearly 60 per cent of Ontario youth report that vapes are easy to get, according to the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey.

Students in CK are most likely to access these products through social sources, online sellers, or unlicensed retailers in neighbouring jurisdictions, the report noted.

Health Canada explains that vaping can negatively affect physical and mental health, particularly among youth.

Potential effects include shortness of breath, coughing, nausea, headaches, mouth and throat irritation, and reduced exercise capacity.

Nicotine can also interfere with brain development, potentially impacting memory, attention, emotional regulation, and decision-making, while contributing to poorer school performance among youth, Health Canada added.

Bill 125, Smoke-Free Ontario Amendment Act (Vaping is Not for Kids), 2026, passed the first reading in the Ontario legislature in May.

It proposes the following amendments to the current bill:

• Prohibiting the promotion of vapour products

• Prohibiting the sale of tobacco or vapour products to individuals under 21 years old, proposed from the current 19 years old

• Prohibiting the sale of flavoured vapour products except for tobacco flavour

• Prohibiting the sale of vapour products anywhere other than specialty vape stores

• Tax revenue generated by vapour products must be used to educate the public about the health effects of vaping

• Requiring Ontario Health to create an annual report to the Minister regarding current information on youth vaping as well as policy recommendations

A youth vaping specialist in Qatar, cited in the report, noted that 43 per cent of youth who currently vape flavoured products claim they would quit vaping if flavours were removed.

The report noted that increasing the minimum age of purchasing e-cigarettes to 21 is one of several important components to reduce youth vaping.

In 2021, the federal government pledged to ban flavoured vapour products, but it has not done so.

Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Quebec have already banned flavoured vapes.

St. Clair College has announced that its Unitree R1 Humanoid finally has a name.

At an event on Thursday at the main campus in South Windsor, it was revealed as Clairion.

The announcement was the climax of a two-month contest among the College's student body.

Clairion commented on their new name at the event.

"Now that is a name! CLAIRION. Cognitive Learning Artificial Intelligence Robotic Innovation and Operations Network. Quite a mouthful for someone who doesn't even have lungs!" Clairion said.

The humanoid was bought by the College's Research and Innovation department with a grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

Clairion has already appeared at manufacturing facilities across Windsor-Essex, demonstrating how humanoid technology could enhance existing operations, improve efficiencies, and potentially transform certain processes. The humanoid has also appeared at the College's Robotics Club and Data Analytics program.

John Lopez, the College's Program Manager for Research and Innovation, says Clairion is the first of its kind in North America.

"Initiatives like this help position St. Clair College at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and innovation," said Lopez. "We're excited about the possibilities ahead and look forward to seeing how Clairion evolves and what new opportunities and advancements will come from this."

Mohammad Alkhateb, a first-year student in the Protection, Security and Investigation program, won a $200 bookstore gift card and St. Clair College apparel for submitting the winning name.

Clairion will make an appearance at the Fall Open House on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the main Windsor campus.

OHL

Kitchener 5 North Bay 2

London 5 Saginaw 3

Windsor 5 Ottawa 4

Brantford 3 Sarnia 2

Guelph 2 Owen Sound 1 (OT)

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GOHL

Listowel 6 London 2

St. Marys 6 Chatham 5

St. Thomas 5 Komoka 2

Fort Erie 7 Stratford 2

Strathroy 8 Woodstock 5

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PJHL

Lakeshore 6 Blenheim 3

Fergus 6 Walkerton 2

Mt. Brydges 4 Thamesford 3 (OT)

Dresden 5 Mooretown 3

Mount Forest 3 Hanover 2

Wingham 5 Mitchell 2

Exeter 5 Petrolia 4

Kincardine 6 Clinton 3

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NHL

Buffalo 5 Columbus 2

Anaheim 5 Calgary 3

Minnesota 4 San Jose 1

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NBA

Boston 119 Charlotte 80

Atlanta 139 Washington 132

Cleveland 119 Philadelphia 95

Toronto 121 Milwaukee 107

Minnesota 115 New Orleans 109

Oklahoma City 128 Memphis 97

Dallas 112 Utah 100

San Antonio 124 Sacramento 109

LA Lakers 124 Portland 118

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Saturday's Games

OHL

North Bay at Guelph, 4:07 p.m.

Kitchener at Owen Sound, 7 p.m.

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GOHL

Elmira at LaSalle, 7 p.m.

London at Strathroy, 7:30 p.m.

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PJHL

Wheatley at Amherstburg, 7 p.m.

Wingham at Mount Forest, 7:30 p.m.

Mitchell at Kincardine, 7:30 p.m.

Exeter at Mt. Brydges, 7:30 p.m.

Lakeshore at Mooretown, 7:30 p.m.

Walkerton at Hanover, 8 p.m.

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NHL

Florida at Washington, 12:30 p.m.

St. Louis at Nashville, 1 p.m.

NY Rangers at Seattle, 5 p.m.

Montreal at Toronto, 7 p.m.

Utah at Ottawa, 7 p.m.

New Jersey at NY Islanders, 7 p.m.

San Jose at Dallas, 8 p.m.

Chicago at Carolina, 8 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Los Angeles, 9 p.m.

Detroit at Colorado, 9 p.m.

Vancouver at Edmonton, 10 p.m.

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NBA

Denver at Indiana, 5 p.m.

Brooklyn at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.

Washington at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.

New York at Cleveland, 8 p.m.

Orlando at Golden State, 8:30 p.m.

Houston at Phoenix, 9 p.m.

San Antonio at Portland, 10 p.m.

---

CFL Playoffs

East Finals

Winnipeg at Montreal, 3 p.m.

West Finals

BC at Edmonton, 6:30 p.m.

York1 has officially filed its applications with Ontario’s Environmental Registry for its proposed project in Dresden.

Four applications were submitted: one for a landfill, one for a waste transfer and processing site, one for air quality, and one for stormwater management.

York1 provided details about each project in their applications. According to the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, the scope of the project remains very similar to the original applications submitted in 2024.

The municipality explained the time of operations for the landfill, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and what waste will be accepted, non-hazardous waste generated from residential, industrial, commercial, and institutional sources, are the only real changes.

Despite this, the municipality has retained a team of experts for a comprehensive technical review of the proposals.

This review will look into some of the major concerns with the project, including transportation and traffic impacts, groundwater and hydrogeology, landfill engineering and operations, surface water and stormwater management, natural environment impacts, noise, and air quality.

Once the review is finished, the municipality will make a formal submission to the province against the project.

The public has 45 days to comment on York1's applications. All comments can be submitted online or by mailing the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks through its Client Services and Permissions Branch.

The municipality is hoping to extend the deadline; however, it remains at 45 days at this time.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent (CK) is looking for three people to join its Encampment Advisory Committee.

Established in early 2026, the committee aims to provide advice and recommendations on potential municipal encampment-related projects and programs.

It's made up of two council members and six members of the public. CK Mayor-Elect Michael Bondy and former councillor Marjorie Crew previously served alongside Joseph Vandermeer, Clair McDowell, Lynn O'Brien, Andrew Theil, Renee Geniole, and Meghan Bradley.

The municipality didn't say whether these were new positions on the committee or if three of the current public members decided to step away.

What the municipality did say is that it's looking for people with specific criteria. This includes having previously lived near a shelter or encampment, being a part of a community group helping the homeless, lived experience with encampments, and business leaders associated with the Northside Neighbours Association.

People interested in applying can learn more on the municipality's website. The deadline to apply will be November 20, 2026.

On this episode of Chatham-Kent Beyond the Headlines, host Jaryn Vecchio speaks with Rain Pfaff, one of the world's best martial artists.

They discuss Pfaff's journey towards Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, her multiple gold medals at world championships, and her time living in Chatham-Kent.

Chatham-Kent Public Health is reporting that the most frequent infectious disease across the municipality last year was once again chlamydia.

The health unit noted that 193 cases of chlamydia were reported in 2025. That's 34 per cent of all infectious disease cases last year, but 21 cases lower than the previous year.

Females and those 15 to 24 years old had the highest chlamydia rates. However, rates for chlamydial infections decreased in 2025 compared to the previous five-year average and were comparable to the province, according to an information report going before the public health unit on Monday.

According to the data, measles was the second most reported infectious disease in 2025, with 169 cases reported or 30 per cent of all cases reported.

The information report stated that Chatham-Kent experienced one of the highest infection rates in the province during the measles outbreak of 2025, with unvaccinated children under the age of 15 making up the majority of those infected.

Gonorrhea was third on the list with 65 cases reported, almost double the number in 2024, followed by hepatitis C with 21 cases, and Campylobacter enteritis, a common form of food poisoning, rounding out the top five with 19 cases.

The 25 to 44 age group experienced the highest rates of gonorrhea.

Campylobacter enteritis, hepatitis C, and gonorrhea rates were comparable to the province and have not changed significantly in comparison to the previous five-year average, said the health unit.

The report showed 567 new cases of reportable infectious diseases among Chatham-Kent residents in 2025.

Excluding seasonal respiratory illnesses, the largest burden of reportable diseases across Chatham-Kent last year was sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections, according to the data. Those infections account for 297 cases or 52 per cent of all infectious diseases in Chatham-Kent last year. They're also up by 16 from 2024, but not as high as 2021, 2022, or 2023 when they ranged from 360 to 387.

The health unit also reported 190 vaccine-preventable diseases, 49 enteric, foodborne, and waterborne diseases, 21 diseases transmitted by direct contact or respiratory routes, and 10 vector-borne diseases.

The data also showed that respiratory activity was lower in 2025-26 compared to the 2024-25 respiratory season.

The Ontario Provincial Police has wrapped up Project Safe Haul, its focused commercial vehicle safety initiative, taking 119 commercial trucks off the road.

The campaign started on October 13 and wrapped up on November 1.

During that time, OPP officers and inspectors participated in 22 enforcement blitzes throughout the West Region. A total of 325 vehicles were inspected, and 266 charges were laid.

The project is designed to improve road safety by identifying commercial vehicles that are not safe on the road, addressing regulatory non-compliance, and ensuring drivers meet safety standards.

"The overwhelming majority of drivers recognize the importance of proper vehicle maintenance, pre-trip inspections, hours of service compliance, and safe operating practices," said the OPP in a release. "This dedication helps keep Ontario's highways safe for all road users."

"While enforcement remains an important tool, we also recognize and appreciate the many drivers and carriers who consistently operate safely and professionally," said Staff Sergeant Tara Bolstad.

The Thames River is getting a clean bill of health following an ethanol fire in Chatham earlier this year.

Back on September 16, 2026, a fire broke out at Greenfield Global's site on Bloomfield Road.

The company confirmed that firefighting foam used to fight the blaze accidentally entered the Thames River. According to a University of Guelph study, certain foam can be extremely harmful and toxic to aquatic life.

Concerns were raised once several dead fish were spotted floating in the river shortly after the fire. At the time, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks said they were aware of the dead fish and were conducting tests to determine whether it was connected to the foam and fire.

Dead fish seen in the Thames River in Chatham (photo supplied)Dead fish seen in the Thames River in Chatham (photo supplied)

In the weeks since, the ministry wouldn't confirm whether the tests proved there was a connection, just that there were no lasting impacts from the fire.

"The ministry conducted sampling at the site and found no evidence of ongoing impacts to the Thames River," read a statement.

The ministry explained that it will continue to monitor the area as the cleanup continues from the fire.

Unifor members at two Southwestern Ontario casinos have voted in favour of strike action to back their union's demands.

At Starlight Casino Point Edward, 93.8 per cent of members voted in favour of strike action, while at Cascades Casino Chatham, the percentage was 91.5 per cent in favour of strike action.

Talks between the union and the employers continue.

OHL

Windsor 4 Peterborough 2

Brampton 6 Niagara 3

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GOHL

St. Marys 5 Sarnia 1

Cambridge 4 Ayr 3 (OT)

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PJHL

North Middlesex 7 Petrolia 1

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NHL

Utah 4 Montreal 5 (OT)

Vegas 2 Detroit 1

St. Louis 4 New Jersey 5 (OT)

Boston 6 Pittsburgh 2

Carolina 5 NY Islanders 3

Dallas 1 Columbus 2 (SO)

Vancouver 2 Winnipeg 6

Chicago 1 Tampa Bay 4

Philadelphia 2 NY Rangers 3

Anaheim 5 Edmonton 4

Nashville 3 Colorado 2 (OT)

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NBA

Orlando 104 Phoenix 117

Miami 100 Golden State 120 

---

NFL

Jacksonville 33 Baltimore 10

---

Friday's Games

OHL

Erie at Flint, 7 p.m.

North Bay at Kitchener, 7 p.m.

Saginaw at London, 7 p.m.

Windsor at Ottawa, 7 p.m.

Oshawa at Kingston, 7:05 p.m.

Brantford at Sarnia, 7:05 p.m.

Sault Ste. Marie at Sudbury, 7:05 p.m.

Owen Sound at Guelph, 7:07 p.m.

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GOHL

Stoney Creek at St. Catharines, 7 p.m.

London at Listowel, 7:30 p.m.

Chatham at St. Marys, 7:30 p.m.

Komoka at St. Thomas, 7:30 p.m.

Fort Erie at Stratford, 7:30 p.m.

Strathroy at Woodstock, 7:45 p.m.

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PJHL

Blenheim at Lakeshore, 7 p.m.

Fergus at Walkerton, 7:30 p.m.

Mt. Brydges at Thamesford, 7:30 p.m.

Mooretown at Dresden, 7:30 p.m.

Mount Forest at Hanover, 8 p.m.

Mitchell at Wingham, 8 p.m.

Petrolia at Exeter, 8 p.m.

Kincardine at Clinton, 8:30 p.m.

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NHL

Columbus at Buffalo, 7 p.m.

Anaheim at Calgary, 8 p.m.

San Jose at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

---

NBA

Boston at Charlotte, 7 p.m.

Washington at Atlanta, 7 p.m.

Philadelphia at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.

Minnesota at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

Oklahoma City at Memphis, 8 p.m.

Utah at Dallas, 8 p.m.

Toronto at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.

San Antonio at Sacramento, 10 p.m.

Portland at LA Lakers, 10 p.m.

The federal government has introduced a budget designed to encourage investment and fight the impact of tariffs.

Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne tabled the 2026 spending plan in the House of Commons on Thursday afternoon, featuring additional spending and tax breaks to address current economic challenges.

The budget has $142.1-billion in new spending and tax incentives designed to make Canada's economy more self-sufficient and less dependent on the United States.

Champagne said help is available for sectors affected most by tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

"Steelworkers in Hamilton, aluminum workers in Saguenay, forestry workers in British Columbia, and auto workers in Windsor and Oshawa are affected and understandably worried," said Champagne in his remarks in the House. "Canada's new government has one simple message for them today. We will be there for you with whatever it takes for as long as it takes. To date, we've provided $44-billion to help our workers, unions, and businesses protect jobs, retool, and find new markets."

The projected budget deficit for 2026-27 is $62.3-billion, which Champagne said was $3-billion lower than the figure in the spring economic statement. However, Canada will carry a deficit of at least $50-billion through 2030-31.

Other components include a plan to encourage investment by lowering the marginal effective tax rate on new business investment from 13 per cent to 6.4 per cent.

Another $4-billion has been spent on measures to enhance Canadian arts and culture, support public broadcasting, and support local journalism.

Some $44.7-billion will be invested over 11 years to help end homelessness and expand non-market housing.

In the 2027-28 fiscal year, $1.2-billion will be used to expand agreements with provincial governments, including Ontario, for home and community care, as well as mental health and addiction.

The opposition responded to the spending plan, with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre pledging that the Tory caucus will vote against the budget.

Poilievre said the budget is taking money away from Canadian families who are already struggling.

"Carney’s Costly Credit Card budget adds $765-billion in new debt, meaning higher inflation and interest today and higher taxes tomorrow," posted Poilievre on social media. "Canadians will pay more for food, fuel, and homes. Budget should be named Mastered by Debt."

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The Conservatives also took issue with the Liberals' immigration plan.

"The Liberals’ plan sets permanent resident admissions at 380,000, and 370,000 new temporary residents in 2026," said Conservative Shadow Minister for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Michelle Rempel Garner. "These are still among the highest levels in Canadian history, after the out-of-control years of 2022 to 2024 left the country no time to recover. Canadians were told to expect a sustainable plan. But based on today’s numbers, what Mr. Carney meant by ‘sustainable’ is sustainable for corporate profit models, not for workers or Canada’s social infrastructure."

Federal NDP Leader Avi Lewis said the budget only benefits people with deep pockets.

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"It [the budget] talks a lot about affordability but does little to actually lower your costs," said Lewis on social media "The single biggest item in the budget is a 'mega deduction' for corporations, with a price tag of $36-billion over five years. Fifty per cent more than all of the 'affordability measures' combined. But where is the mega deduction to your grocery bill, or your rent?"

Key budget measures are available on the official government website.

A man accused of sexually assaulting three teens and one young woman in Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton in 1997 has been sentenced to 13 years in jail.

Jason Davidson, 53, formerly of Chatham, has 11.5 years left to serve after the usual 1.5 days of credit given for time already served.

He pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the four women between March and August of 1997 in Chatham court two weeks ago.

He was arrested in Campbell River, British Columbia, on October 26, 2025, on 15 charges of kidnapping, forcible confinement, uttering threats, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault causing bodily harm, sexual assault with a weapon, and theft.

All of the women were sexually assaulted in similar manners. They were offered rides, asked to have sex for money and refused, and taken to remote spots where they were violently sexually assaulted, including being pulled out of a car by their hair, being threatened with death and harm if they didn't comply with his demands, and being punched.

Davidson was charged after a DNA hit, a genealogy match, and his car matching the description of the suspected car.

Justice Shannon Pollock told the court that the impact of the offences on the victims cannot be overstated and their trauma was a factor in her sentencing.

"The consequences for them have been devastating. As a human being, as a woman, my heart breaks for these four victims for the pain, the fear, and trauma they've had to endure, not just on the night of their attacks, but for the decades since," said Pollock.

Davidson must also provide a DNA sample, will be added to the National Sex Offender Registry for life, is banned for 10 years from attending public parks and swimming areas where persons under the age of 16 are or could be present, as well as banned from daycares, schools, playgrounds, and community centres during that period.

He's also prohibited from having a position of authority or trust towards persons under the age of 16 for 10 years and will be prohibited from possessing weapons.

One of the highest-ranked martial artists in the world happens to live in Chatham-Kent.

Thomas Armstrong, who runs Armstrong Academy of Martial Arts in Chatham, was recently ranked as the sixth-best competitor in his age group for no-gi in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

His ranking was given to him by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation, which evaluated nearly 800 similar-aged men from across the world.

Armstrong was able to earn his ranking thanks to strong performances in Canada and the United States over the past two years. His most recent gold medals were won in Nashville, Tennessee, in October.

He told CK News Today he originally wasn't planning to take part in the Tennessee competition, but a strong showing a few weeks earlier in Toronto encouraged him to take part.

"I went against the couple-time World Champion, and I barely lost, so I was like, honey, I need to sign up for the next one," Armstrong laughed.

He credited a strong work ethic and commitment to wanting to fight the best martial artists as reasons why he was able to reach his new ranking. Armstrong also believes his time coaching others through his academy has helped him become a better fighter.

"If I expect someone to try and do something, then I think I should be able to do it myself," said Armstrong.

Next on his schedule is a competition in Atlanta, Georgia. Since everyone can see who's signed up and their rankings, Armstrong believes some might be keeping a close eye on him.

"There are guys who sign up because they want to fight you. "Some guys won't sign up because they're like, ' There's a high-ranked guy there; I don't want to fight him," he laughed.

The Chatham-Kent community is being asked to donate non-perishable food items at a food drive this weekend.

CK Helping Hands will be holding its annual "Fill the Bus" food drive across Chatham-Kent on Saturday and the community is invited to come out and help fill the buses from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Organizers said volunteers will be collecting non-perishable food donations at various grocery stores in Chatham, Wallaceburg, and Tilbury.

All food collected will remain in the community where it was donated to support local families.

In Chatham, the food collected at Real Canadian Superstore, Sobeys, both No Frills, Giant Tiger, and Food Basics will go to Outreach for Hunger.

In Wallaceburg, the donations will be collected at No Frills.

In Tilbury, the food items collected at Foodland and No Frills will benefit a local food bank.

"Our goal is simple, fill the bus and feed our neighbours," said CK Helping Hands organizers. "When you donate in Wallaceburg, it stays in Wallaceburg. When you donate in Tilbury, it stays in Tilbury. When you donate in Chatham, it stays in Chatham. This is neighbours helping neighbours."

Non-perishable food items needed include canned goods, pasta, rice, cereal, peanut butter, and other shelf-stable items.

Chatham-Kent police have made an arrest after getting a call about a man threatening to harm people.

The call came in just before 7 p.m. on Wednesday.

Police allege that a 46-year-old man had repeatedly threatened his partner over the course of a few weeks. Between October 21 and October 23, police were told that the suspect had threatened to break her legs and burn her with hot coffee.

Over the weekend, the man allegedly picked up an axe and held it in the air in an intimidating manner before threatening to use it on the woman, police said.

The man was arrested and faces charges, including two counts of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm and one count of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

He has since been released from police custody with conditions and a future court date.

OHL

Owen Sound 4 Sarnia 5

Kingston 3 Ottawa 1

Sudbury 3 Barrie 1

Erie 7 Sault Ste. Marie 0

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GOHL

Strathroy 2 LaSalle 3

St. Thomas 6 London 3

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PJHL

Mooretown 4 Wheatley 3 (OT)

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NHL

Ottawa 2 Buffalo 1

Chicago 3 Florida 5

San Jose 2 Los Angeles 7

Calgary 1 Seattle 2 (OT)

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NBA

Toronto 109 Denver 128

Philadelphia 112 Detroit 106

Atlanta 120 Washington 105

Charlotte 104 Brooklyn 114

Milwaukee 102 Boston 109

Chicago 105 New York 135

Cleveland 116 Oklahoma City 124

Indiana 107 Memphis 103

Utah 113 New Orleans 120 (OT)

Minnesota 117 Houston 107

Portland 132 Phoenix 119

Dallas 111 San Antonio 112

LA Lakers 116 Sacramento 103

Miami 117 LA Clippers 116 (OT) 

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Thursday's Games

OHL

Brampton at Niagara, 7 p.m.

Windsor at Peterborough, 7:05 p.m.

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GOHL

St. Marys at Sarnia, 7 p.m.

Cambridge at Ayr, 7 p.m.

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PJHL

North Middlesex at Petrolia, 7:30 p.m.

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NHL

Vegas at Detroit, 7 p.m.

Utah at Montreal, 7 p.m.

St. Louis at New Jersey, 7 p.m.

Boston at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m.

Carolina at NY Islanders, 7 p.m.

Dallas at Columbus, 7 p.m.

Vancouver at Winnipeg, 7 p.m.

Chicago at Tampa Bay, 7 p.m.

Philadelphia at NY Rangers, 7 p.m.

Anaheim at Edmonton, 8 p.m.

Nashville at Colorado, 9:30 p.m.

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NBA

Orlando at Phoenix, 9 p.m.

Miami at Golden State, 10 p.m.

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NFL

Jacksonville at Baltimore, 8:15 p.m.

The province has launched new patient care models that aim to help paramedics deliver faster and more convenient care to patients at home and in their communities.

The province said the new model will give paramedics greater flexibility to treat eligible patients who call 9-1-1 at home or on scene, and help patients access more appropriate, timely care.

Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault said the changes will strengthen local health-care services, reduce unnecessary hospital visits, and help patients get the care they need, faster.

"These new patient care models are great news for Chatham-Kent residents," said Pinsonneault. "By strengthening the partnership between Chatham-Kent Paramedic Services, Chatham-Kent Hospice, and the Community Paramedicine Program, we are helping ensure patients receive timely compassionate care and support in the setting that best meets their needs. This is an important step in making care more accessible and keeping patients closer to home and to their loved ones."

Chatham-Kent Paramedic Services will now offer two new models of care, including:

• Alternate Destination Model: Eligible palliative care patients who call 9-1-1 can receive treatment from paramedics on-scene before being transported to Chatham-Kent Hospice for specialized, wraparound care.

• Treat and Refer Model: Eligible palliative care patients who call 9-1-1 can receive treatment from paramedics on-scene and be referred to the Chatham-Kent Community Paramedicine Program for ongoing care and support.

Minister of Health Sylvia Jones said the new models are intended to protect hospital and ambulance capacity for patients who need them most. They should also reduce unnecessary emergency department visits.

The Ontario Government noted it has increased funding for Land Ambulance Services in Chatham-Kent by 10 per cent, bringing the province’s total investment across the municipality to over $8.7 million in 2026.

A 53-year-old Chatham man has been arrested and charged after a joint drug trafficking investigation involving Chatham-Kent police and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Collingwood.

Police reported seizing nearly $135,000 in illegal drugs, along with weapons, ammunition, and the proceeds of crime at a Chatham home on Sunday.

According to police, the investigation began in September targeting individuals believed to be involved in the distribution of illegal drugs across Ontario.

Police allege the accused from Chatham was receiving and distributing controlled substances supplied through the broader trafficking network.

Chatham-Kent police said they arrested the Chatham man at a residence on Evening Drive in Chatham on Sunday as part of multiple raids conducted throughout the province.

During the drug bust, officers seized the following:

• Approximately 960 grams of cocaine

• Approximately 645 grams of MDMA (Ecstasy)

• A prohibited conducted energy weapon (Taser)

• A replica .177 calibre handgun

• Digital scales and drug packaging materials

• Multiple rounds of ammunition

• Nearly $23,000 in Canadian currency believed to be the proceeds of crime

The suspect has been charged with the following:

• Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking

• Possession of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) for the purpose of trafficking

• Violating a ban on possessing ammunition

• Breaching a ban on possessing a weapon

• Possession of a prohibited weapon

• Possession of the proceeds of crime

• Driving under suspension

Chatham-Kent police thanked the Collingwood OPP for their efforts and collaboration.

"This investigation demonstrates the value of collaborative policing and intelligence-led enforcement," said Chatham-Kent police. "By working closely with our law enforcement partners in the Ontario Provincial Police, we are able to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs into our communities and hold those responsible accountable."

Chatham-Kent police encourage anyone with information regarding drug trafficking or other criminal activity to contact them at 519-436-6600.

Chatham-Kent's largest food bank is continuing to see many new faces come through its doors.

Outreach for Hunger has seen 258 new people over the last two months, with October alone recording 146 new clients.

This is the biggest monthly increase the food bank has seen since it added 113 new clients back in February.

Over the first eight months of 2026, Outreach for Hunger averaged about 87 new clients a month, far less than September and October.

Brenda LeClair, the Executive Director of Outreach for Hunger, told CK News Today there's no single reason why they're seeing such an increase right now. However, she did explain that many new clients are only working part-time.

"All you need is a few hours reduced at your part-time work, and [there goes] your grocery money," said LeClair.

So far in 2026, Outreach for Hunger has helped 953 new clients. This is added to the roughly 8,800 hampers given out to people and families who previously used the food bank.

Thanks to donations from the community, Outreach for Hunger has never had to turn somebody away.

"Our community has never let us down," added LeClair.

Most of the food bank's shelves are currently full thanks to Ursuline College Chatham's 19th annual Lancers Scare Hunger Food Drive. The fundraising event was able to collect 22 skids of food.

Meanwhile, Outreach for Hunger isn't the only food bank in Ontario seeing an increase in clients.

According to the Salvation Army's 2026 Canadian Poverty and Socioeconomic Analysis, 13 per cent of respondents said they needed help from community food supports in 2026.

"More and more families are struggling; they're waiting until they have absolutely nothing left in their cupboards to put together a decent meal before they have to swallow their pride to come in here," said LeClair.

Over 30 per cent of respondents also claimed that they've skipped or reduced meals because they couldn't afford groceries.