Economic Agency Review

The Kingston Economic Development Corporation’s Board of Directors says it will establish a committee to review its mandate – the way it delivers its services and its organizational structure.

It says it will issue a call for volunteers later this year.

KEDCO has been under fire for its record of economic development activity and budget.

The Board of Directors held a half day planning session on Friday and confirmed Donna Gillespie will continue in her role as interim CEO following the resignation of Jeff Garrah.

Garrah had been on leave but officially resigned last week.

The Board issued a news release yesterday saying it will be recruiting a new CEO.

Domestic Assaults

Domestic violence continues to be a big problem in Kingston.

Police got six calls about domestic disputes in the past 24 hours on top of eight calls on the weekend.

Four of those calls on Saturday and Sunday resulted in assault charges.  Three men and a woman were arrested.

Police say alcohol was a factor in at least one of the assaults.

Kingston Police media relations officer, Constable Steve Koopman is encouraging anyone suffering domestic violence to reach out to police or other support services for help.

Arrest near Costco

There was some excitement just outside the front doors to Costco on Friday as a Kingston Police officer chased down a man wanted on outstanding arrest warrants.

The officer recognized the man in the area of Princess Street and Centennial Drive around 3:30 Friday afternoon.  The man ran and was chased down just outside the front doors of Costco.

The 31 year old Kingston resident has been charged by Kingston Police with Obstruct Police and Breach of Probation.  He’s also wanted on four arrest warrants…two in Ottawa and two in Waterloo.

Teachers

Unless something changes – students will return to classes in three weeks and won’t be able to participate in any extra-curricular activities.

The provinces and its teachers unions are at an impasse and no agreements have been reached.

The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association has confirmed its 50-thousand members will not take part in any activities that fall outside their contract.

Public high school and elementary school teachers are expected to follow suit.

Athletic League

The Boys and Girls Club of Kingston and Area is teaming up with Kingston Police to create a free athletic league for young people.

The Police Athletic League received funding of $70,900 from the Ontario government yesterday.

Children from 10-17 years old will be able to play basketball, indoor soccer, ball hockey and baseball this fall.

Police officers and other volunteers will act as coaches and referees.

PassPERKS

Kingston Transit has launched a new program to attract new riders and reward people who regularly ride the busses.

It has launched a loyalty program call PassPERKS.

It offers riders with monthly photo ID passes opportunities to save at local stores and services.

The first partner in the new program is the Grand Theatre.

It’s offering savings of up to 50% off ticket prices for IMPACT performances.

Sheep Dog Trials

The Kingston Sheep Dog Trials on the weekend were an overwhelming success – attracting thousands of spectators and 146 teams of dogs – the biggest sheep dog trials in Canada this year.  115 of the teams came to Kingston from across the United States.  Dorey – owned by the founder of the event – Amanda Milliken – was top dog.

A dog owned by a woman from Virginia came in second and another one of Milliken’s dogs came in third.