Kingston News, May 2, 2017

MONDAY EVENING CLASS PROTEST
Dozens of protesters, with signs denouncing several themes of class struggle such as colonialism, patriarchy and capitalism, paraded down Princess Street in the pouring rain on Monday evening. The march took a sour turn when at least one protester was seen vandalizing several storefronts by etching protest slogans in chalk on their walls. Kingston Police were on hand shortly after the group arrived at City Hall and quickly dispersed the group. It is not known if any arrests were made or if any charges are pending.

PERTH BREAK AND ENTER
OPP in Lanark County have charged a 21 year old man from the Town of Perth following an investigation into a residential break and enter.  Early Saturday morning police were called to the home on Gore Street East in the Town of Perth. The owner reported that he had noticed a man behaving suspiciously and entering onto properties in the area. Police located and arrested a suspect. He’s facing numerous charges.

RANDOM ASSAULT
A 26 year-old Kingston man has been arrested for a random assault in the downtown core. Wednesday morning just before noon, a 68-year-old man was walking eastbound on Princess Street in the area of Nelson Street. A man walking towards him on the sidewalk then punched him in the head for an unknown reason and continued walking westbound. Thanks to witnesses police were able to located the man and arrested him Friday.

BIKE COLLISION/THEFT
A 26-year-old man has been arrested after colliding with a car while on his bike. Police say last Thursday morning a man was riding his bicycle eastbound on Princess Street near MacDonnell. The cyclist disobeyed the red light and collided with an SUV, which was traveling northbound on MacDonnell. The cyclist appeared uninjured, provided his name and then left the scene, leaving the bicycle behind. Police determined the bike had been stolen back in January. Police located and arrested the man the next day.

ANIMAL CRUELTY
A 50-year-old woman from Yarker has been sentenced to a lifetime ban on owning animals after being convicted of nine counts of animal cruelty. The Ontario SPCA received a report on March of last year about animals in distress at a residence in Yarker. Authorities visited the property and found three horses living inside a dark, manure-filled barn. The animals had no access to food or water. Upon examination the animals also had wounds on their legs that required treatment.

SPRING FOOD BLITZ
The Partners in Mission Food Bank are gearing up for their annual Spring Food Blitz. For the second year, the blitz will be held at local grocery stores. It will take place Saturday, May 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at nine local grocery stores. Teams of volunteers will be asking shoppers to take a food bank bag and fill it with much-needed food items.

HILL ISLAND FIRE
A home on Hill Island was completely gutted by an early morning fire Friday. Crews were called to the home about 12:15am.  Close to 30 firefighters battled the blaze along with six tankers and two pumper trucks. The Ontario Fire Marshal’s office is investigating.

INMATE DEATH
Correctional Service Canada is investigating after an inmate at Joyceville Institution died. 58 yearold Robert Heward died at an outside hospital in Kingston. He had been serving a sentence of four years for fraud under the Securities Act. Next of kin have been notified.

HEAVY RAIN/SHORELINE DAMAGE
A deluge of rain fell on Kingston and surrounding area yesterday. The Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority has issued a Flood Outlook Statement for hose along the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River shorelines. The CRCA says water levels remain well above average for this time of year and the forecast includes the potential for heavy rainfall, but their main concern is the potential for high waves that could cause shoreline damage. Flooding has already been reported in many areas throughout the region.

CANCER RESEARCH MONEY FOR QUEENS
A Kingston cancer research centre is receiving continued support from the Canadian Cancer Society. The Canadian Cancer Trials Group, located at Queen’s University, will get $23.5 million over the next five years. The money will help pay for research into improved cancer treatments.

WEDNESDAY IS MCHAPPY DAY
And the annual McHappy Day is tomorrow. This year marks the 40^th anniversary of the event which raises money for local children’s charities. All money raised in Kingston stays in Kingston. This year, a dollar from the sale of every Big Mac, Happy Meal and hot McCafe beverage, including brewed coffee and tea will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Kingston.