Kingston News, November 3, 2017

College Strike – Smokey Sings

The President of OPSEU says he’s hopeful there will be a deal soon to end the strike by faculty at Ontario’s 24 colleges.

Kingston native Smokey Thomas says he believes the government is going to free up more money for colleges and that’s part of what got bargaining kick started.  Talks aimed at ending the three week long strike resumed yesterday.

Striking St. Lawrence College faculty will hold a rally on campus at noon today with the support of other local labour unions.

Arrest – Forcible Confinement

Kingston Police say they were able to rescue a woman who was being held captive in a home earlier this week.

Police say the woman was assaulted and threatened by her boyfriend while being held for 30 hours.

Police say it all started when the man got angry about a trip the woman had planned with a friend.  She was rescued Wednesday night and a 35 year old man has been charged with assault, uttering threats and forcible confinement.

Shorelines Casino – Jackpot – Women Charged

Two women are facing charges after one tried to claim a jackpot at the Shorelines Casino in Gananoque.

Police say a woman did win a $26,000 jackpot – but wasn’t supposed to be in the casino and tried to claim the prize using someone else’s identification.   A 53-year-old woman from Markham has been charged with personation and attempting to use a forged document.  A 49-year-old woman from Toronto has been charged with personation. The OPP says its investigation is continuing with the help of the casino and Canada Border Services Agency.

Wrong Way Driver – Napanee

A wrong way driver on the 401 near Napanee is facing charges.

Police say a car was driven the wrong way shortly before seven Wednesday night.  It exited the highway and was involved in two collisions before the driver was arrested.

A man from Quebec was taken to hospital for treatment of minor injuries and faces multiple charges including dangerous driving, theft of a motor vehicle, breach of probation and two counts of failing to remain at the scene of an accident.

Fraser Institute – Employment Picture

A study by the Fraser Institute has found Kingston has experienced a four percent increase in jobs since the 2008 recession….about two points below the national average.

The study found much of Ontario hasn’t recovered from the recession at all.

The research found 98.6 percent of the job growth since 2008 has been centered around Toronto and Ottawa.  Eleven of 23 urban centers in Ontario actually lost jobs. Cornwall has been particularly hard hit.  It has lost 33% of its jobs since 2008.

Music – Fund Raising

Two separate fundraising events in Kingston tonight will feature music.

Kingston’s Brendan Richmond…better known as B. Rich…has organized a night of music at the Mansion to raise money for the Island of Dominica.  It was devastated by Hurricane Maria.

And…Govfest at Blu Martini is raising money for the United Way tonight.

The annual music and cultural show is organized by public servants in Kingston and last year it raised $4,800 for the United Way.

Chamber Awards

The Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce has honoured local businesses and business leaders during its 22nd annual Business Achievements Award Gala.

Award winners last night were:

Innovation Award (Sponsored by Kingston Destination Group): Boys & Girls Club of Kingston

Tourism/Hospitality Award (Sponsored by Tourism Kingston): Jack Astor’s Kingston

New Business of the Year: (Sponsored by Wilkinson & Company LLP): Kingston Webworks

Small Business of the Year, 1-10 Employees: (Sponsored by Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands): Forever Young Chiropractic Massage

Medium Business of the Year, 11-34 Employees (Sponsored by Ramada Kingston Hotel & Conference Centre): St. Lawrence Optometry

Large Business of the Year, 34 plus Employees: (Sponsored by YourTV): Len Corcoran Excavating Ltd.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Sponsored by Kingston Economic Development Corporation): Ashley Logan, COBS Bread Kingston

Business of the Year (Sponsored by Collins Barrow Chartered Accountants): James Reid, James Reid Funeral Home and Furniture Store

Chair’s Award (Sponsored by The Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce) Marci McMullen, Haven Home Climate Care