Author: Mohsin Abbas

By: Evan Mathias , Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

Three robotics teams from St. John the Evangelist Catholic School in Woodslee competed at the FIRST Lego League Windsor Qualifying Tournament and came away with some hardware.

Two teams (The Water Resurrectors and Makin’ Waves) will be moving onto the provincial championships after finishing 1st and 2nd place for the overall Champions Award respectively, while the third team at the competition (The Good Lookin’ Hookinz) finished 1st in Innovation and 2nd place in Robot Performance.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is the largest body for robotics for K-12 ages internationally hosts qualifying events all over the world. FIRST releases new ‘mission models’ every year, which every participant around the world works under the same stipulations and within that model and theme. In this age division FLL, the competitors use Lego robotics parts to create robots and develop solutions to needs that they identify and research.

“The way it works is there are three components to the season and competition, the first one is the robot game. They have to build a robot with attachments and code it,” said David Kostanjevec, Grade 7/8 teacher at St. John the Evangelist. “Everyone around the world has the same ‘mission model’ trying to develop the same strategies to get the most points controlling their robot around a robot table.”

Innovation is another category for the competition with this year’s theme being ‘submerged’ each team was tasked with researching a water themed topic or problem while then innovating a solution to that problem, building a prototype and presenting their presentation to experts.

The three teams of Grade 7 and 8 students set out on the task.

The Water Resurrectors innovation was based around dead zones in Lake Erie and finding ways to use ultrasonic waves and oxygen to reduce the algae count to many dead zones in the Lake.

“This team won first overall dealing with dead zones and nutrification in Lake Erie. Their solution is a combination of two solutions, using different buoys with solar panels on them,” said Kostanjevec. “The Buoys would have compressors on them… 25 feet below the surface they would be infusing oxygen into the water. They did all the research about the success rates of infusing oxygen into lakes as well as using ultrasonic waves to kill off the algae blooms.”

According to Kostanjevec, a similar idea has been used in New Zealand.

Team Makin’ Waves built a wave tank to display their grander idea for a stopper to reduce erosion on Lake Erie, by submerging barriers to reduce the energy of the waves.

 

“Their idea was to take the barriers off-shore and submerge them into 10-feet of water where the maximum wave energy is. The idea is it would greatly reduce the energy of the waves so that by the time they hit the shore, it wouldn’t be as impactful,” said Kostanjevec. “According to the experts they consulted with, they said that over time it would expand the shoreline… The feedback was wonderful.”

Lastly, but certainly not least was the Good Lookin’ Hookinz, who’s idea and innovation was to create completely biodegradable fishing hooks.

“The material that they researched and planned to use is called PHA’s (Polyhydroxyalkanoates), it’s something that breaks down in three weeks once it gets wet,” said Kostanjevec. “It can actually be beneficial to fish, as once it breaks-down they can actually consume it.”

All of these ideas are incredibly detailed and complex according to Kostanjevec. For grade 7 and 8 students to get so innovative is impressive.

“Having a group of kids embrace something that was completely new to them and required a great amount of effort over three months is something I am very proud of. Having the opportunity to invent something new and go through the design cycle with that was a thrill to witness,” said Kostanjevec. “To take all this work to a tournament where they present to judges and be recognized was a real thrill for them. The best part is that they’re really humble about this recognition and are focused on redoubling their efforts for provincials.

The two teams moving on to the next level will compete at Durham College in the new year, continuing on with their same innovations and ideas, presenting to a new group of experts and competing from robotics teams all around the province.

“Now everything gets bigger, they have to elevate their games for this,” said Kostanjevec. “They’re developing their innovations to be even more in depth than what they were, they’re doing more experiments and of course all hands-on deck with the robots to make the best of it that they can.”

By: Muhammad Aamir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

Chatham-Kent Police have been active this week, investigating multiple incidents, including arrests for outstanding warrants, public intoxication, and bail violations. They are also investigating a break-and-enter and a serious pedestrian collision in Chatham. Additionally, Police are urging motorists to exercise caution on winter roads and offering safety tips to prevent accidents during unpredictable weather.

POLICE ARREST WOMAN WANTED ON WARRANT

A routine traffic stop on Princess Street South in Chatham led to the arrest of a 41-year-old woman wanted on an outstanding warrant.

Police officers conducting general uniform patrol stopped the woman during a traffic check. Upon investigation, they discovered she was the subject of an arrest warrant and was also wanted by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Lambton County. The woman was taken into custody and later transferred to the Ontario Provincial Police Service to face her charges. Authorities have not disclosed further details regarding the warrant.

BLENHEIM MAN ARRESTED FOR INTOXICATION

Police responded to a family dispute in Blenheim and arrested a 27-year-old man for public intoxication.

Officers were dispatched to the scene, where they found the man accompanied by a dog. He appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and unable to care for himself. The man was taken into custody and transported to the Chatham-Kent Police Service headquarters. He was held until sober and later released with a Provincial Offence Notice.

POLICE INVESTIGATE BREAK-IN

Chatham-Kent Police are investigating a break-and-enter incident at the Chatham-Kent Veterinary Clinic.

Officers responded to the call and discovered the business’s front door had been smashed, indicating forced entry. However, no items appeared stolen, and no suspects were located in the area at the time. The investigation remains ongoing. Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact Constable Zach Butler.

CHATHAM MAN AIRLIFTED AFTER COLLISION

A 52-year-old man suffered serious injuries after being struck by a vehicle while crossing Richmond Street near Lacroix Street in Chatham.

The Police responded to a call about a motor vehicle collision and found the injured man at the scene. Emergency services transported him to a nearby medical facility, and he was later airlifted to a hospital in London for further treatment. The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Police have not released additional details at this time.

POLICE SHARE WINTER DRIVING SAFETY TIPS

Winter weather often brings unpredictable conditions, so the Chatham-Kent Police Service reminds drivers to prioritize road safety and adjust their driving habits to suit the season.

Police emphasize that slowing down is one of the most effective ways to prevent winter collisions. Many accidents occur when drivers fail to adjust their speed to match icy or snowy conditions. Additionally, cruise control on wet or icy roads is discouraged, as it can reduce reaction time and limit vehicle control. Motorists are also advised to steer gently, avoiding hard braking or quick acceleration, which could lead to skidding. If a skid does occur, drivers should steer in the direction they want the vehicle to go. Finally, giving extra space between cars is crucial during winter driving, as stopping distances are significantly longer on slippery roads. By following these tips, drivers can help ensure safer travels during the challenging winter months.

MAN ARRESTED FOR BAIL VIOLATION

The Police arrested a 42-year-old Tilbury man for breaching his release conditions by repeatedly contacting his ex-girlfriend.

Police responded to a bail violation complaint after receiving information that the man, who had prior charges involving his ex-girlfriend, was under a court order prohibiting contact with her. Officers confirmed the repeated contact with the complainant, providing grounds for his arrest.

The man was located at his residence, taken into custody, and transported to the Chatham-Kent Police Service Headquarters. He was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

POLICE URGE CAUTION ON WINTER ROADS

As winter weather brings unpredictable conditions, the Chatham-Kent Police Service reminds drivers to adjust their driving habits to ensure road safety. Police advise slowing down, as most winter collisions occur when drivers travel too fast for the conditions. Using cruise control on wet, snowy, or icy roads is discouraged, as it reduces reaction time and power. Gentle steering is recommended to avoid skidding, with drivers urged to steer in the direction they want to go if a skid occurs. Additionally, Police highlight the importance of maintaining extra space between vehicles as stopping distances increase on slippery roads. By following these tips, motorists can help prevent accidents during the winter season.

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

 

 

Heavy rainfall over the past 36 hours has led to water levels rising in the Lower Thames watershed. Rainfall totals of 40 to 55 mm have caused smaller watercourses to spill their banks, resulting in localized flooding and ponding in low-lying areas. Current forecasts suggest up to an additional 10 mm of rain may fall tomorrow, which could maintain elevated water levels.

Most smaller watercourses, including ditches and streams, have already peaked and are beginning to recede. However, water levels will drop slowly due to the significant rainfall. Additional rainfall tomorrow could prolong high water conditions. The McGregor Creek Diversion Channel in Chatham is currently in operation to manage excess water flow.

The Thames River is rising due to runoff from the recent rain. Water levels are expected to peak later today in upstream areas and will progress downstream throughout the week. Additional contributions from local tributaries may cause levels to rise further. The lower Thames River is anticipated to experience slightly higher water levels compared to mid-December’s event. Low-lying areas from Delaware to Chatham, including riverside sidewalks in downstream Chatham, are expected to flood, although significant flooding is not forecasted.

Residents are urged to exercise caution around waterways. Slippery banks and cold, fast-moving water pose a significant safety risk. Standing water can also conceal hazards. Children and pets should be kept away from all watercourses, ditches, and streams.

LTVCA officials will continue to monitor water levels and provide updates as necessary. This advisory remains in effect until January 3, 2025.

For real-time updates and safety advisories, follow the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority on social media or visit their website.