Grand Erie Public Health is hosting a naloxone training session at the Haldimand County Public Library’s Caledonia Branch on Wednesday, August 26, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The session will teach participants how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and how to safely administer naloxone during an emergency.

Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose caused by substances including fentanyl, heroin and oxycodone. Administering it quickly can help save someone’s life while emergency medical help is on the way.

The training is open to anyone 16 years of age or older.

Participants will also receive a free naloxone kit to take home following the session.

No registration is required, and residents can simply drop in to take part.

Organizers say the goal is to give more people the knowledge and confidence to respond during an overdose emergency and potentially save a life.

Candidates have until 4:30 p.m. Friday, August 21, to file their nomination papers, and several new names entered the race Thursday.

The already crowded Ward 2 contest added two more candidates, with Peter Black and Krissi Wiseman joining the field. That brings the race to nine candidates competing for two council seats.

Ward 4 also officially became a race Thursday. Incumbent Councillor Chris Van Paassen had been the only registered candidate since May, but Jeni Lambert has now entered the contest.

Bill Jukes has also filed to run in Ward 6. The seat is currently held by Councillor Adam Veri, who is running for mayor rather than seeking re-election as a councillor.

There are currently registered candidates in every mayoral and council race from Ward 1 through Ward 7, but the list is not yet final.

More candidates can still enter before Friday afternoon’s deadline.

The municipal election is scheduled for October 26, 2026.

This story will be updated as the candidate list changes and once Norfolk County confirms the final slate of candidates following the nomination deadline.

Mayor

1. Noel Haydt
2. Doug Brunton
3. Ken Hewitt
4. Keith Milner
5. David Finch
6. Adam Veri

Ward 1

1. Greg D’Hulster
2. Tom Masschaele

Ward 2

1. Linda Vandendriessche
2. Debbie Wilbur

Ward 3

1. Chris Gill
2. Hetty Verlinden
3. Doug Moyaert

Ward 4

1. Chris Van Paassen
2. Jeni Lambert

Ward 5

1. Quentin Dixon
2. Kevin Allen
3. Princess Peace
4. Alan Duthie
5. Bob Townsend
6. Dennis Travale
7. Ryan Boyko
8. Peter Black
9. Krissi Wiseman

Ward 6

1. Pam Taylor
2. Zvonko Horvat
3. Ray Hunter
4. Bill Jukes

Ward 7

1. Warren Cummings
2. Kim Huffman

The first investigation began shortly after midnight on Saturday, August 15, when officers responded to a report of an assault at an address in Norfolk County.

Police say two people had interacted at another location several hours earlier, where one person allegedly assaulted the other. Minor injuries were reported.

A 53-year-old Norfolk County resident was arrested and charged with spousal assault.

In a separate incident on Sunday, August 16, officers were called to another Norfolk County address shortly after 5 p.m.

Police say two people interacted on the property and one person allegedly assaulted the other. No injuries were reported.

A 64-year-old Norfolk County resident was arrested and also charged with spousal assault.

Both accused are scheduled to appear in court in Simcoe at later dates. The charges have not been proven in court.

Anyone experiencing intimate partner violence or concerned about someone they know can contact Victim Services of Haldimand-Norfolk-Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation at 1-800-264-6671 for support.

The annual event runs August 21 to 23, offering three days of flying demonstrations along with dozens of aircraft on display on the ground.

Holly Doty, executive director of Airshow London, says the setup gives spectators an up-close experience, with all seating and drive-in areas located airside.

The drive-in format gives visitors their own roughly 20-by-20-foot space where they can set up chairs and spend the day. Spectators can also explore food trucks, beer gardens, vendors and static aircraft displays, with many planes open for visitors to walk through and meet the crews.

Director of Flight Operations Gerry Vanderhoek says the show is also about getting the next generation interested in aviation.

Among this year’s highlights is the return of the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor demonstration. Vanderhoek says Airshow London has been fortunate to land one of the industry’s most sought-after performances several times in recent years.

The lineup also includes a Canadian Forces CF-18 Hornet, an air-to-air refuelling demonstration, a search-and-rescue demonstration and historic aircraft including a P-38 Lightning, Spitfire and Hurricane. A B-52 bomber will also be among the aircraft on the ground.

Friday night will add another twist, with an aerobatic performance featuring pyrotechnics and other special displays.

Spectators are welcome to bring their own coolers, food and beverages, making it an affordable, family-friendly event. Doty adds that organizers have also made an effort to make this year’s event more accessible.

Now in its 11th year in its current form, Airshow London attracts visitors from across Ontario, the United States and overseas. Organizers say tickets are nearly sold out ahead of this weekend’s show.

Written by Jeremy Hall

Today: Adventures Beyond Storytime at the Port Dover, Waterford and Simcoe branches at 10:30am
Let the giggles, wiggles, and learning begin!
Build early literacy and social skills! Each session includes themed stories, songs, activities, and play!
Drop-in Storytime programs are designed for children ages 0 to 6 years of age.
In August they are exploring the theme of ADVENTURES BEYOND!

Tomorrow: Simcoe Lions – Community Chicken BBQ on Argyle St. Simcoe from 4:00 – 7:00 pm
We’ve teamed up with the Downtown Simcoe BIA and Townsend Butchers for our Community BBQ in Downtown Simcoe fundraiser — bringing you unique, locally-sourced BBQ Chicken meals you won’t find anywhere else.

Tomorrow: St. Paul’s Anglican Church hosts their Annual Corn Roast at 5:00 pm
Happening at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Port Dover
Price: $20.00 per person, Kids under 12 $10.00

Sunday: Powell Park Summer Music Series continues from 6:30 – 8:00 pm
This week the Erie Boys take the stage in Powell Park

LOCAL SPORTS:

Six Nations Chiefs (MSL FINAL)

• Sun Aug 23, Peterborough Lakers at Six Nations Chiefs – 7:00 pm

Brantford Red Sox (CBL)

• Fri Aug 21, Toronto Maple Leafs at Brantford Red Sox – 7:07 pm
• Sat Aug 22, Brantford Red Sox at Barrie Baycats – 4:08 pm
• Sun Aug 23, Barrie Baycats at Brantford Red Sox – 2:00 pm

Click here for more community events.

Have something for the 48? Adding it is easy to do. Click here to get started.

NCCW’s Collision Course takes place Saturday, August 29.

That was President of NCCW Adam Martin.

He gave a rundown of some of the big names from TNA coming down to Norfolk.

The event will also include a special celebration honouring NCCW champion Kyle Boone.

Former NCCW champion Ricky Willdy, who is currently running for Mayor in Brantford, is also expected to be in attendance as well.

In addition to the wrestling action, there are other special guests as well.

Martin is encouraging everyone to come out and enjoy the show.

They are even adding an incentive to make sure the whole family can enjoy the action.

More information can be found here.

Fishing ABC was founded by Barbara French and Jesse Whalen. It began as a Facebook group in 2019, created as a welcoming place for children between two and 16 and their families to learn about fishing.

French said the idea grew from an upsetting experience involving a young autistic angler who was criticized online over a photo showing him handling a fish.

The online group has since grown to more than 1,000 members, while its annual derby has become so popular that registration can fill within hours.

This year’s event will be held Saturday on private property in the Port Dover area and is already full, with a waiting list in place.

Everything is free for the participating children, from lunch to prizes. French said that is especially important at a time when many families are watching their budgets.

Thirty-six sponsors are supporting this year’s derby. Young anglers will leave with bags filled with fishing products valued at roughly $150 to $200, while prizes will be handed out for categories including biggest fish, smallest fish and most fish.

For the first time, every participant will also receive a custom UV-protective Fishing ABC jersey. Donations from Lions and Kinsmen clubs in Port Dover and Simcoe helped make the jerseys possible.

French said the support of the fishing community and local organizations is what keeps the event going.

With 80 spots filled and more children waiting for an opening, French and Whalen are now discussing ways Fishing ABC could grow in the future, potentially through an additional derby.

Parents interested in future events are encouraged to join the Fishing ABC Facebook group, where registration details and updates are posted throughout the year.

Written by Jeremy Hall

Police were called to the area of Kent Street South and Robinson Street around 11:30 a.m. on Monday, August 17.

Investigators say two people had an interaction in the area before one person allegedly assaulted the other.

The victim suffered moderate injuries.

Officers later located the suspect on Water Street in Simcoe and took them into custody without incident.

Raeissa Lalone, 27, of no fixed address, has been charged with assault causing bodily harm.

The charge has not been proven in court.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Simcoe on November 10.

Grand Erie Public Health says the mosquitoes were collected earlier last week from a residential neighbourhood as part of its regular surveillance program.

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jason Malenfant says the finding is not unexpected during mosquito season, but it serves as an important reminder.

“This is the first mosquito pool to test positive for West Nile virus in our community this year, and this type of finding is not unexpected during mosquito season,” said Malenfant.

No human cases have been reported in the region at this time.

West Nile virus can spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people do not become sick, but the virus can cause serious illness in some cases. Seniors and people with underlying illnesses are at greater risk.

Residents are encouraged to wear light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing, use approved insect repellent containing DEET and avoid being outdoors from early evening to morning when mosquitoes are most active.

People can also help reduce mosquito breeding sites by removing standing water around their homes and changing the water in bird baths at least once a week.

Grand Erie Public Health says it will continue monitoring West Nile virus activity across the region.

Mayor Amy Martin has announced she will not seek re-election, leaving the mayor’s chair open and attracting a crowded field of candidates.

Ward 3 will also have a new councillor, after Mike Columbus decided not to seek re-election.

There will be at least one new councillor in Ward 5, where Doug Brunton is leaving his seat to run for mayor, while Ward 6 is guaranteed a new representative with Adam Veri also entering the mayoral race.

That means Norfolk County is guaranteed at least three new faces around the council table following the October election, with the possibility more depending on the outcome of the mayoral race and other ward contests.

The final number of changes won’t be known until voters head to the polls on October 26th.