Blog

By: Matt Weigarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

Families across Tilbury, Comber, and the wider Chatham‑Kent region will find no shortage of ways to stay busy this March Break. From indoor adventures to outdoor escapes and hands‑on learning, local organizations are offering a wide range of activities designed to keep children, teens, and adults engaged throughout the week.

Indoor Adventures for All Ages

For families looking to stay warm, Chatham’s indoor attractions are ready to welcome visitors.

The Magic Land, located on Junction Avenue, remains a favourite for younger children with its colourful slides, climbing structures, and dedicated toddler zone. For older kids and teens, Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park offers high‑energy fun with trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball courts, and a ninja course.

The Chatham YMCA is also offering family‑friendly programming, including swimming and youth activities, making it an affordable option for parents seeking structured recreation.

Exploring the Outdoors

Despite the unpredictable March weather, outdoor spaces across Chatham‑Kent continue to draw families looking for fresh air.

Kingston Park—one of the region’s most popular playgrounds—offers wide‑open green space, accessible play structures, and scenic walking paths. Nature lovers can head to O’Neill Nature Preserve (Paxton’s Bush) for peaceful forest trails and wildlife viewing.

Closer to Tilbury and Comber, the Lake St. Clair shoreline and Lighthouse Cove provide a quiet escape for families interested in fishing, photography, or simply enjoying the waterfront.

Learning Through Local Culture

March Break also presents an opportunity to explore the region’s rich history and arts community.

The Chatham‑Kent Museum is hosting exhibits and hands‑on displays that highlight local heritage, while the Thames Art Gallery continues to offer free admission and rotating exhibitions suitable for all ages.

Just outside Chatham, the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum provides a powerful educational experience, sharing the story of one of Canada’s most significant early Black settlements.

Family Entertainment and Seasonal Events

Classic family outings are also on the menu. Bowlerama in Chatham offers bowling and arcade games, while Imagine Cinemas is screening family‑friendly films throughout the week.

Local libraries in Tilbury, Comber, and Chatham are running special March Break programs, including crafts, story times, and youth workshops. Public skating sessions at the Tilbury Arena and Chatham Memorial Arena add another affordable option for families.

With maple syrup season underway, families can also look for nearby maple festivals and sugar bush tours in surrounding communities.

Something for Everyone

Whether families are seeking high‑energy indoor fun, quiet nature walks, cultural enrichment, or classic entertainment, March Break in Tilbury, Comber, and Chatham‑Kent offers something for every age group. Local organizations encourage residents to explore what’s available close to home and make the most of the weeklong break.

By: John Humphrey, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

The stellar play of star defenceman Carson Woodall continues to be one of the biggest reasons that the Windsor Spitfires have been at or near the top of the Ontario Hockey League’s Western Conference standings for most of the 2025-2026 season.

The 19-year-old from Belle River is in his third full season with the Spitfires after being the team’s 10th round pick, 202nd overall, in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection.

As of mid-February, he had 11goals and 47 assists in 55 games during the 2025-2026 campaign. Those impressive stats figure prominently not only among the leading scorers for the Spitfires, but among the entire OHL.

Woodall, who is 5’11, weighs 180 lbs and shoot left, has ample opportunities most games to notch a point or two or stop the opposition from scoring as he plays on the Spits’ top powerplay and penalty-killing units in addition to taking a regular shift.

Woodall’s current stats are a significant improvement over his previous two seasons with the Spitfires, when he scored six goals and added 23 assists in 57 games during his rookie season, and then three goals and 35 assists in 66 games during the 2024-25 OHL season.

At one point during the current OHL season Woodall was actually tied for the league scoring lead when he had 19 points in 14 games. That was last October.

And just like his play on the ice, he was quick to identify his style – one that continues to catch the eyes of not only Spits fans but also opposition teams and their fans.

“I think I am a smart player and have a high hockey IQ,” he claimed, matter-of-factly. “I see the ice well, I can distribute the puck, and my breakout passes are good as well.

“I think that I have improved defensively this season and I’m a good powerplay guy too,” he continued. “I’ve been among the league leaders in powerplay assists and points for most of the season and I am very proud about that.”

Drafted by the Spitfires at age 15, Woodall played one season with the LaSalle Vipers of the then-Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL – now the Greater Ontario Hockey League – GOHL) before making the jump to the Spitfires on a full-time basis in the 2023-2024 OHL season.

While playing in LaSalle with the Vipers, Woodall was named the GOJHL’s rookie of the month for November after scoring five goals and 13 points in 10 games enroute to scoring 10 goals and 36 points in 44 games

“During my season in LaSalle, (Vipers icon) Patrick McManus had a big influence on me both on and off the ice,” he admitted. “He was a veteran on the team and since we were both from Belle River, he would often give me a ride both to and from the rink.

“Brady Hamlin and Spencer LeCot, who was our team captain, were also also big influences” Woodall continued. “Matt Beaudoin was our coach, and he was great too.

“That was an amazing season in LaSalle,” Woodall offered. “Everything that I accomplished with the Vipers, I owed to my teammates and the coaching staff.”

Not all of Woodall’s big goals and assists in recent years have been limited to the hockey arena. He founded Woody’s Hoodies, a clothing company that raises awareness of local cancer research and donates portions of sales to local cancer charities, including the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation and Hospice, while working in collaboration with Play for a Cure. Goodall was inspired to create Woodies after witnessing the cancer battle of both of his grandmothers (Nana O’Brien and Nana Woodall).

Woodall scored another big off-ice goal this season when he announced that he would be attending Boston College in 2026-2027 to not only launch his post-secondary studies but also continue playing hockey at a high level, as he will be suiting up for the Eagles. The affable Woodall attended four different secondary schools during his high school days. Going to a new school next fall won’t be difficult for him to excel in.

Prior to rejoining the Spitfires for his third season this past fall, Woodall attended the Edmonton Oilers’ development (rookie) camp, an experience he will not soon forget. 

“It was an amazing experience and I learned so much not only from the coaching staff, but also from the veteran players,” said Woodall who scored an assist in a 6-5 Oilers loss in a rookie game against the Calgary Flames. “I saw how (Leon) Draisaitl and (Connor) McDavid treat their bodies and how they show up to the rink.

“I was really impressed by how humble they are,” he continued. “I was a 19-year-old free agent and Draisaitl came up and talked to me like we had known each other for years.

“Overall it was an incredible experience and I learned a lot from it.”

With the end of his junior hockey career only weeks or months away, a focused and determined Woodall had difficulty putting his near future into perspective. Woodall remained motivated to accomplish as many feats as possible with the Spitfires, the team he had grown up idolizing.

 “Guys always told me their junior hockey days flew by, and I never believed them, but now I do,” he said. “I achieved my dream of playing with the Spitfires, and I want that dream to end by winning as much as we possibly can.”

By: Matt Weigarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is putting significant support behind community‑driven initiatives this year, committing $375,000 through the 2026 Together CK Grant program to help strengthen culture, connection, and local engagement across the region.

A total of 66 initiatives will receive funding, including five Significant Events, 39 Community Events, and 22 Community Projects. Significant Events will share $102,610, Community Events will receive $137,607, and Community Projects will be supported with $134,783.

The funding will reach communities throughout Chatham-Kent—urban and rural alike—with projects and events planned in Wallaceburg, Dresden, Blenheim, Chatham, Ridgetown, Tilbury, Wheatley, Bothwell, Thamesville, Erieau, Merlin, Buxton, North Buxton, Duart, Shrewsbury, and several others.

Major festivals receiving support this year include Chatham-Kent Crowfest, the Dresden Night Market, RetroFest, the Thamesville Threshing Festival, and WAMBO in Wallaceburg.

The full list of funded events and projects reflects the diversity of the municipality, ranging from cultural celebrations and youth programming to neighbourhood festivals, accessibility upgrades, environmental improvements, and enhancements to community gathering spaces.

“It’s been a pleasure working with the Together CK Committee for the past several years,” said committee chair Fannie Vavoulis. “The committee is made up of hard‑working volunteers who share the privilege of reviewing every application and celebrating the many worthy events and projects happening across Chatham-Kent. Thank you to all applicants for your dedication to making Chatham-Kent a bright and fun community.”

Mayor Darrin Canniff said the program continues to play an important role in supporting local vibrancy. “The Together CK grant program is about investing in the people and communities that make Chatham-Kent such a vibrant place to live. From major festivals to grassroots community projects, these investments support connection, culture, and economic activity across the entire municipality.”

Deputy CAO Dave Taylor added that the program aligns closely with Council’s priorities. “Together CK supports initiatives that bring people together, celebrate diversity, and strengthen community well-being. This year’s recipients reflect the incredible passion and creativity of residents across Chatham-Kent, and we are proud to support their work.”

Applications were evaluated by a committee of municipal staff and community representatives using a scoring matrix that considered alignment with Council priorities, community need, diversity and inclusion, and overall community impact.

Successful applicants will be contacted with next steps, while those not selected are encouraged to connect with the Together CK team for feedback and future opportunities.

By: Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

The Chatham-Kent Police Service is warning residents about a rise in sophisticated vehicle thefts while also reporting a series of major arrests, violent incidents and drug seizures across the municipality over the past several days.

Police say thefts involving Toyota and Lexus vehicles have increased since December 2025, with similar incidents reported in neighbouring jurisdictions across southwestern Ontario. Vehicles stolen in Chatham-Kent include Toyota Tundra, Highlander and RAV4 models, along with several Lexus vehicles. Officers say a number of the thefts occurred even though the vehicles were locked and the owners’ key fobs were not used, leading investigators to believe suspects may be using advanced technology to gain entry and start the engines. Residents are being urged to lock their vehicles, park in well-lit areas, install security cameras, consider steering-wheel locks and add hidden tracking devices. Police are asking anyone who notices suspicious activity to contact them or Crime Stoppers.

A stabbing in the Murray Street area of Wallaceburg on March 13 prompted an immediate response from the Major Crime Team, supported by the General Investigations Unit and Community Patrol. Police say investigators quickly identified a suspect and secured key evidence. A 36-year-old Chatham-Kent woman has been charged with attempted murder. She was located on March 16 with assistance from the OPP’s Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement Unit and remains in custody pending a bail hearing. Police say the incident was isolated and that the accused and victim are known to each other.

Officers also responded to a series of unrelated incidents over a 72-hour period. On March 13, police were called to a retail store on St. Clair Street in Chatham, where a 27-year-old man was found sleeping inside the business. When an employee attempted to wake him, the man allegedly assaulted the worker. He was arrested and charged with assault and failing to comply with probation.

That same day, a 30-year-old Chatham man was arrested for impaired driving after officers conducted an investigation on Barthe Street. Police say breath samples registered above the legal limit. He was released with a court date.

In Ridgetown, officers arrested a 27-year-old man accused of threatening to harm a family’s dog while holding a knife. He was charged with uttering threats and released with a future court date.

A violent assault investigation in Chatham resulted in the arrest of a 48-year-old man after two victims reported being assaulted, threatened and prevented from leaving a residence. Police say one victim was struck in the head with a hatchet and required medical attention. The accused faces multiple charges, including assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, forcible confinement, uttering threats, theft under $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime. He remains in custody.

Later on March 14, a 42-year-old Wheatley woman was arrested for impaired driving after failing a roadside test during a traffic stop on Talbot Road. She was released with a court date.

Police also responded to a break and enter on Taylor Avenue in Chatham, where a homeowner found two recently evicted individuals inside the residence. Both were issued provincial offence notices for trespassing.

In Blenheim, a 16-year-old boy was arrested after officers responded to a disturbance involving a group of youths. Police say one teen was seen brandishing a knife. The youth was charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and released with a court date.

A major drug investigation unfolded on March 12 when the Intelligence Unit and Emergency Response Team executed a search warrant at a Webb Street home in Chatham. Officers seized 2.487 kilograms of fentanyl, seven grams of cocaine, a loaded 9mm handgun, digital scales, cellphones and a large quantity of cash. Police estimate the street value of the drugs at more than $498,000. A 58-year-old woman and a 24-year-old man were arrested and face multiple trafficking and firearms charges. Both remain in custody.

Police also arrested a 35-year-old Windsor man after a package theft on Lacroix Street. Officers recovered the stolen property following a foot chase. A second suspect, a 33-year-old Chatham-Kent man, remains outstanding.

In a separate case, a 40-year-old Chatham man was charged with criminal harassment after repeatedly sending unwanted messages to a woman between July 2025 and March 2026. He was released with a court date.

By: Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

As conflict intensifies in the Middle East and fears of a wider regional war grow, several Chatham-Kent residents say they are living in a state of constant worry for family and friends caught in the turmoil. With air travel disrupted, borders tightening and communication becoming increasingly unreliable, the uncertainty is weighing heavily on local families with ties to the region.

 For one Comber resident, the crisis feels painfully close. Sarah Malik says two of her close friends were travelling through Dubai when the conflict escalated, leaving them stranded as flights were cancelled and airports became overwhelmed with travellers trying to leave.

 “I’ve been checking my phone every few minutes,” Malik said. “My friends were supposed to be home days ago, but they’re stuck in Dubai with no clear information about when they can fly out. They’re safe for now, but the situation is changing so quickly. It’s terrifying not knowing what will happen next.”

 Malik says her friends were only meant to be passing through the United Arab Emirates on their way back to Canada. Now, they are among thousands of international travellers facing delays as airlines reroute flights away from conflict zones.

 “They keep telling me they’re okay, but I can hear the stress in their voices,” she said. “It’s hard to sit here in Comber and feel so helpless.”

 For Iranian-Canadian residents in Chatham-Kent, the anxiety is even more personal. Reza Farhadi, who has lived in Chatham for more than a decade, says his parents remain in Iran, where tensions have risen sharply amid fears of retaliation and further military escalation.

 “My parents are in Shiraz, and every time I call them, I’m afraid it might be the last time I hear their voices for a while,” Farhadi said. “They tell me not to worry, but how can I not? The whole region feels like it’s on edge.”

 Farhadi says the uncertainty is made worse by the possibility of communication blackouts.

 “There have already been disruptions,” he said. “Sometimes the internet slows down or calls don’t go through. When that happens, my heart stops. I just want to know they’re safe.”

 He says many Iranian-Canadian families in the region are experiencing similar fear.

 “We came to Canada for peace and stability, but our hearts are still with our families back home,” Farhadi said. “It’s painful to watch events unfold from so far away.”

 In Tilbury West, Muhammad Ibrahim says he has been glued to the news since the conflict escalated. Although he no longer has immediate family in the region, many of his extended relatives and childhood friends remain in areas now affected by the fighting.

 “Every headline feels heavier than the last,” Ibrahim said. “I grew up in the Middle East. I know what conflict looks like, and I know how quickly things can spiral. Even from here in Tilbury West, it feels like I’m living it all over again.”

 Ibrahim says he has been trying to support friends in Chatham-Kent who are struggling with the uncertainty.

 “There’s a big community here with ties to the region,” he said. “We’re all checking in on each other, sharing updates, trying to stay hopeful. But it’s hard. Everyone is scared for someone.”

 Local residents say they are frustrated by the lack of clear information about evacuation options, flight availability and the safety of civilians in affected areas. Many say they are relying on social media, international news outlets and sporadic messages from loved ones to piece together what is happening.

 Despite the fear, all three residents say they are trying to remain hopeful. Malik says she believes her friends will eventually make it home safely. Farhadi says he speaks to his parents every day, even if only briefly. Ibrahim says community support has been a source of strength.

 Still, the uncertainty remains.

 “You never think something happening so far away can affect your life here in Chatham-Kent,” Malik said. “But when the people you love are in danger, the distance doesn’t matter. You feel every moment of it.”

 As the situation continues to evolve, residents across the municipality say they will keep watching, waiting and hoping for peace — and for the safe return of their loved ones.