Dresden Slots proceeds, singing contest finalists, transgender awareness

Morning Coffee – By Aaron Hall

Weather forecast for Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Today – Mainly cloudy. Periods of rain beginning this afternoon. Wind south 30 km/h gusting to 50. High 9.

Tonight – Periods of rain ending after midnight then cloudy with 40 percent chance of showers. Wind southwest 30 km/h gusting to 50. Low plus 4.

Dresden Slots proceeds nets $700,000

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has announced that the annual contribution to the municipality from the operation of the OLG Slots at Dresden Raceway for the 2016-17 operating year is $700,000.

Municipal officials say this sum has been allocated to general revenues offsetting costs of all municipally delivered services provided to the residents of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.

“This significant investment in our community represented 0.5% of the 2017 municipal budget,” stated Mayor Randy Hope, in a press release.

“This is money that directly supports the delivery of services to citizens. A portion of this year’s funding was contributed towards the Shrewsbury Recreational Trail.”

Through Gateway Casino at Dresden Raceway, which is operated by the Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Limited, the OLG has made contributions of more than $10.2 million to the municipality since the site opened in 2001.

The casino also employs more than 90 people and has received over 3 million visits since opening.

“OLG is proud to be a vital part of Chatham-Kent for 15 years and we look forward to continuing to build on that support,” stated Jake Pastore, OLG’s Director, Municipal & Community Relations.

“We’re directly supporting the local economies of our host communities across Ontario by providing a share of gaming revenue. Chatham-Kent is doing some remarkable things with this revenue for the benefit of its citizens. And, we appreciate the contribution of gaming site employees in making life in Chatham-Kent that much richer.”

Honouring the OLG’s annual contribution, the municipal staff are inviting the public to a ribbon cutting ceremony opening the Shrewsbury Recreational Trail located at the Shrewsbury and Raglan Community Centre at 2 p.m. on November 17, 2017.

Singing contest finalists

Five more people are heading to the finals of the Langstaff & Langstaff singing contest at the CBD Club in Wallaceburg.

Darren McLeay, Michael Francais, Caroline Watier, Mikayla Lozon and Al DeLaet all made it made through, after the second semi-final was held at the CBD CLub in Wallaceburg on Friday, November 10.

They will join Laurie McClure, Sylvie Arsenault, Amy Clara, Lucas Roe and Lisa Michaud in the finals on Friday, November 17.

This year the event is sponsored by Grant Langstaff Construction and George Langstaff & Sons Construction.

They are putting up the $1,000 for first place and $500 for second place.

Co-operators is putting up $300 for third place.

Transgender Awareness Week

Transgender Awareness Week in Canada was recognized during a flag raising at the Civic Center on Tuesday morning.

Municipal official said on social media the purpose of Transgender Awareness Week is to educate about transgender and gender non-conforming people and the issues associated with their transition or identity.

Here are some photos posted by the Municipality:

National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims 2017

Tonight at 6 p.m. members of the Chatham-Kent Police Service, along with representatives of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) will be conducting RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) checks throughout the Municipality of Chatham-Kent in remembrance of road crash victims.

Police officials say road safety is everyone’s responsibility.

If you suspect that a person may be driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, please call the CKPS non-emergency telephone number at 519-352-1234.

In the case of an emergency, call 911.

New CKPS Cadet Recruits

*From left, Police Chief Gary Conn, Craig Zink, Scott Nevills, Kyle Bakker, Corey Aitken and Police Services Board Chair, Diane Daly (Submitted photo)*

Yesterday at the Police Services Board meeting, these four individuals were handed their CKPS badge by Police Chief Gary Conn and welcomed to the service as Cadet Recruits.

In January 2018, they will begin their training at the Ontario Police College. On behalf of the Chatham-Kent Police Service, we wish them all the best throughout their preparation.

Downtown Wallaceburg Holiday Open House tomorrow

The Wallaceburg BIA is holding their annual Downtown Wallaceburg Holiday Open House on Thursday, November 16 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Downtown merchants will offer in-store promotions and draws, product samples, plus there will be horse & carriage rides, Christmas carolers, gourmet roasted nuts & hot chocolate bar, a special visit from Santa and his helpers, plus a chance to win up to $250 in BIA bucks.

Also on November 16, Santa will be stopping by the Wallaceburg Library at 7 p.m.

Take some time, make a craft, and read a story – and visit with Santa as the holidays approach.

Santa Claus Parade in Wallaceburg on Saturday

The Knights of Pythias are gearing up for the annual Santa Claus Parade in Wallaceburg, which is set to take place on Saturday, November 18, at 2 p.m.

The route for the parade will stay the same as previous years starting on Arnold Street, down Dufferin and the downtown core, up Nelson and finishing on Elgin.

More details. here: Wallaceburg Santa Claus parade on Nov. 18

The day gets started at the K of P Hall with ‘Breakfast with Santa.’

It starts at 8 a.m. and runs to 11 a.m.

Cost is $6 for adults and kids that are 12 and over, children 11 and under are free.