An update to a story AM 800 News told you about last week.

Provincial police have now arrested two suspects in connection with graffiti on the rear door of a business on Erie Street North.

Surveillance captured the images of the two suspects and photos were released to the public for help in identifying the suspects.

26-year-old Eric Edh and 27-year-old Lloyd Dibbley, both of Leamington, have been charged with 10 counts each of mischief.

They're to appear in court next month.

There will be no pink slips issued to teachers from the Greater Essex County District School Board.

The board anticipates a decline in enrollment of around 450 student in their high schools, mainly from a smaller Grade 8 class moving on.

Board Spokesperson Scott Scantlebury says they have completed the secondary staffing numbers for the coming school year, but haven't finalized the elementary numbers.

He says there is a reduced need for 42 fewer teachers in the high schools, but it will be made up through attrition and filling leaves.

Scantlebury says the elementary numbers aren't final, but it looks like enrollment will remain stable and they may even need to hire some teachers for the french immersion program.

Earlier this week the local Catholic board announced it is issuing layoff notices to nearly 200 teachers across all schools, anticipating a significant decline of more than 1000 students in the fall.

Windsor Police have made another arrest in a city arson.

A man has been arrested in connection with a garage fire on Parent Avenue earlier this week.

More details will be released after a court appearance this afternoon.

This is in addition to an arrest made in 5 intentionally set fires around the Sycamore Drive area. 

26 year old Adam Spicer is charged with 5 counts of arson and one count of public mischief in the Sycamore cases.

Amherstburg's new Jr. C hockey team has been named 'The Amherstburg Admirals'.

Co-owner Gaspare Spada says the name has been chosen from more than 30 entries in a name-the-team contest.

The team logo includes a cannon and an Admiral's hat signifying the town's role in the War of 1812.

The team colours are navy blue, baby blue and yellow.

A trip to Ottawa this week is being called a success by the President and CEO of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Matt Marchand along with the Mayor of Niagara Falls and the former OPP Deputy Commissioner paid a visit to the nation's capital to promote Bill C-290, the single sports betting bill.

Marchand says they explained its many economic benefits to Senators, staff members and M-P's.

The bill passed in the House of Commons but has been stalled in the Senate for more than a year.

By a margin of 86%, Veteran Cab drivers in Windsor have ratified a new, 4-year contract.

It includes no fee hikes, language improvements, and an upgrade to computer dispatch services.

Frank Yousif has been with the company since 1997 and says he's satisfied with the agreement but long-time driver Dave Budnaruk voted against it. He says fares are down but fees remain the same.

Of the company's 300 drivers, only 71 took part in the vote. Budnaruk doesn't think that's a fair representation.

Thirty-nine recommendations have been made by an independent police agency looking into an incident involving former Detective David VanBuskirk.

In April of 2010, a Windsor doctor was assaulted by VanBuskirk who was looking into an incident involving his daughter.

Chief Al Frederick says most of the recommendations have already been implemented and include how police conduct investigations when dealing with someone they know.

VanBuskirk was sentenced to 5 months in jail after pleading guilty to assault causing bodily harm.

A contract has been ratified at Veteran Cab in Windsor.

The 300 drivers have voted 86 percent in favour of the 4-year deal.

C-A-W 195 President Gerry Farnham says it includes no fee hikes for drivers over the life of the agreement but includes "major language improvements."

The deal also includes a 1-800 number and social media initiatives.

Windsor Police have laid human trafficking charges against two Oshawa men.

The Police Morality Unit launched an investigation in March after receiving complaints from an 18 year old woman, who alleges she was enticed into dancing at a local strip club.

Police say she was taken to the Toronto area and coerced into acts of prostitution.

25 year old Jerome Barron Dorsey and 27 year old Merrick Anthony Dennis were arrested in the Toronto area last week.

This is the first time Windsor Police have used this legislation and say there may be other victims of human trafficking in the community.

Windsor Police have identified the man charged in connection with 5 arson fires dating back to May 11th.

26-year-old Adam Spicer is charged with 5 counts of arson and one count of public mischief.

Damage from the series of fires is now estimated at around $33,000.

All 5 of the fires occurred in residences on the 2600 block of Sycamore Drive

The Greater Essex County District School Board is closer to having all-year schooling at its newest building.

The next step is making sure with the unions involved that the altered school calendar will work.

The board's Superintendent of Education, John Howitt, says the teachers' union is already doing a full year program at a school in Peel Region, but they want to consult on any hurdles that have to be dealt with.

Howitt says the union is open to the idea and have been helpful in developing it.

He says there is definitely an impact to the budget for full year schooling because of added costs like bussing in August and operating the Air Conditioning.:

Howitt says the new "Campbell Avenue Public School" building where the board would place the full year program is just now under construction. 

He says the idea is to have it complete in time for the program to start in the fall of 2014.

There's a new option for local entrepreneurs to access mentors.

The Coalition 12 group and the Windsor Business Accelerator have launched an app to provide access to the mentors 24-7 anywhere in the world.

Called the 'C-12 app', it has been created exclusively for the program by Accelerator tenant James Henderson of Rasslewood Business Solutions.

He says this will be kept as an exclusive tool for tenants of the accelerator.

Henderson says the app allows the mentoring to happen when a 'face-to-face' meeting is not possible.

The launch of the app took place today at the Accelerator.

Plaques of recognition were also presented to the C-12 mentors attending the launch.

Windsor Police are trying to find the person who stuffed some guns and a lot of pills into the ceiling over an apartment building laundry room.

Back on May 10,  police recovered 3 guns and more than 3500 Ecstasy pills in the ceiling tiles of the laundry room at 511 Pelissier Street.

Police are asking for help to find the person responsible for putting the guns and drugs there.

Anyone with information about suspicious activity in that laundry room - is asked to call Windsor Police or Crimestoppers.

A Windsor man will be arraigned in court this afternoon on arson charges, in connection with a rash of fires in the city over the last 2 weeks.

The 26 year old is facing 5 counts of arson and 1 count of public mischief.

Windsor Fire officials say that in the past 10 days alone, there have been 5 intentionally set fires in the Sycamore and Meadowbrook Lane area which investigators believe are connected.

There have also been 3 fires intentionally set outside of commercial buildings at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, a house on Assumption Avenue and a garage on Parent.

Investigators from the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office have concluded its on-site probe of a massive plastics fire in Windsor.

Investigator Jeff Minten says samples and exhibits from Sprucewood Industries on Sprucewood Avenue have been sent to the Centre for Forensic Sciences in Toronto for further examination.

Damage from Tuesday night's fire is estimated at $1-million, and Minten says they have identified the general area where the fire started.

He says they need to know the chemical makeup of the materials in that area in order to determine how the fire started.

It could take two or three months to get the test results back.  Minten says depending on the results, further testing and engineering may be required.

The fire scene has now been released back to the owner.

A draft business plan is being submitted to the province to allow the Catholic school board to purchase downtown Windsor property to build a new Catholic Central High School.

The current school on Tecumseh Road East near Howard Avenue was built in 1929 and needs to be replaced.

Mayor Eddie Francis says he was approached by the school board to look at any available property, and the preferred site was 6.8 acres that includes Windsor Arena, Waterworld and a parking lot off McDougall Street and Wyandotte Street East.

Francis says the Grace Hospital site and the Paul Martin building were considered.

The city has agreed to sell the land for one dollar on two conditions:  the community centre at Waterworld stay open to the public, and the architectural features of Windsor Arena be included in the new school.

The proposal closes the door on any plans to convert the arena into a farmer's market.

Catholic Central currently has 800 students, many of whom live near the city core.

Proposed changes to traffic flow and bus stops in downtown Windsor have at least one business person concerned.

Changes include the removal of parking spaces at University and Victoria Avenues to accommodate a new bus stop.

Virginia Cosco-Pizutti owns a commercial building in the area and thinks the loss of parking will hurt businesses and keep professionals from locating downtown.

Other recommendations include the closure of Pitt and Chatham Streets between Bruce and Church and turning Victoria from a one-way to a two-way street from Chatham to University.

The changes are the result of a traffic study around the new Family Aquatic Centre.

East Windsor residents may be able to rest a little easier. An arrest has been made after a series of deliberately-set fires.

A 26-year old man has been taken into custody after 5 cases of arson in the Meadowbrook Lane-Sycamore Road area. They're among 11 intentionally-set fires in the last two weeks.

Arson has also been determined as the cause of fires outside of 3 commercial buildings, Our Lady of Rosary Church, a house on Assumption Avenue and a garage on Parent Avenue.

The Ontario Fire Marshall's office has concluded day one of its investigation into a fire at the Sprucewood Avenue plastics recycling plant in west Windsor.

Windsor Chief Fire Prevention Officer Lee Tome says damage is pegged at one million dollars and the blaze started on the exterior of the building.

The investigation continues and debris is being analyzed to pinpoint the exact cause of the blaze.

The probe got underway Wednesday morning.

Tuesday's blaze at the plastics recycling plant spanned several acres and took several hours to get under control.

A 26-year-old man has been arrested after a rash of arsons across the city.

More details are expected Thursday morning but investigators have been looking for those responsible for 11 arsons across the city over the last 2 weeks.

In the past 10 days alone, there have been 5 intentionally set fires in the Sycamore and Meadowbrook Lane area which investigators believe are connected.

There have also been 3 fires intentionally set outside of commercial buildings at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, a house on Assumption Avenue and a garage on Parent.

Tuesday night, authorities said they had a person of interest in the Parent Avenue garage fire.

Some provincial funding for Windsor-Essex was announced Wednesday by Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne.

She hopes the 105-thousand dollars for a Youth Attraction and Retention Officer in Windsor will help keep youth in the area.

The Chief Operating Officer for the Windsor-Essex Economic Development Corporation Rakesh Naidu says having a person working on job creation with a focus on youth is a big advantage.

The funding will cover the cost of the officer for 18 months.

Naidu says the retention officer will help with jobs and events like the Children's Games and the Canada Wide Science Fair coming to Windsor next year.

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent and Rondeau Park.

Severe thunderstorms are possible through this evening with the potential for large hail, damaging winds and heavy rainfall.

Stay tuned to AM800 News for the very latest throughout the evening.

A new use for a former downtown Windsor adult entertainment facility.

The former Million Dollar Saloon is being transformed into a medical centre, family practice, pharmacy and sports injury clinic.

The new owners out of Toronto will open the Chatham Wellness Centre within 4 to 6 months on Chatham Street.

Total investment is about $2.5 to 3 million dollars which includes renovating the building. 

Today, the new owners surrendered the "entertainment licence" over to the city.

Arvan Rehab Group President Bill Arvanitis is the new owner of the property and says it is a great location for a new medical clinic.

"It is an underserviced area with the university and college moving more to a city campus style. Being from Toronto we see the impact that Ryerson has had in the downtown core," he says

Mayor Eddie Francis says he's pleased with the new use of the property.

"What would happen if this was sold and someone did purchase this and opened an adult entertainment venue across a university. Talk about trying to recruit students to your campus, that would kill any prospect," says Francis.

At its peak, the city had 11 adult entertainment facilities, now its down to five. 

The Million Dollar Saloon has been closed for more than two years.

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne is talking jobs and social assistance changes as part of her stop in Windsor today.

She met with people looking for work at the Employment and Training Services Centre at 400 City Hall Square East.

She says Windsor was hit hard during the economic downturn, but places like the Employment Centre help.

The centre opened in July 2010 and sees about 2000 people a month which includes repeat visits.

 Wynne says people need to realize that there are employers still looking for qualified people to fill vacant jobs.

Wynne was in Windsor to highlight the government's work to transform social assistance.

She was not in Windsor to announce a date for a by-election in Windsor-Tecumseh.

 In the 2013 budget which has been supported by the NDP includes improvements to Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program to remove employment barriers for people with disabilities.

A truly surprised Ken Lewenza Senior admits to being deeply honoured to have the lobby of the Tayfour Campus Rehab facility named for him.

A ceremony was held in the lobby of the Windsor Regional Hospital west end campus building.

He jokingly told colleagues in the CAW who secretly organized the naming he would be speaking to them later.

Lewenza got a bit choked up when speaking to the crowd in the lobby and took the opportunity to speak to the need for better resources for mental health care.

A plaque honouring Lewenza with his picture and the logos of both the CAW and Local 444 will be placed in the lobby.

The Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board is issuing layoff notices to nearly 200 teachers.

Executive Superintendent of Human Resources Jamie Bumbacco says 121 elementary teachers will begin receiving notices today.  Beginning next week, about 75 high school teachers will get notices.

Bumbacco blames a predicted decline in enrolment of 1,000 students this fall.

He says some teachers could be brought back in the fall depending on retirements and student transfers.

Bumbacco says the board is working with the union to implement the layoff notices.

A 24-year-old Windsor man faces charges in connection with a domestic violence call.

Officers were called to the 400-block of Church Street just before 10:30 Sunday night.

Police say a man had allegedly threatened to kill his girlfriend with a shotgun.

The house was cordoned off and all occupants were ordered to leave.

Officers executed a search warrant and found a BB gun made to look like a pump-action shotgun along with shotgun and rifle ammunition.

Police believe a 12-gauge shotgun may still be outstanding and are asking the public to call if a firearm is found.

Joshua Steven Walsh is charged with uttering threats to cause death and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

Veteran Cab and the union representing its 300 drivers have reached a tentative agreement.

CAW Local 195 President Gerry Farnham says the deal was reached late Tuesday night.

Farnham says this is the time in more than 10 years the two sides have come to an agreement prior to the existing contract expiring.

He credits more face-to-face negotiations and a mutal respect by both sides at the bargaining table.

Farnham says the union's bargaining committee is recommending acceptance of the agreement.

A ratification vote will take place Thursday at 2 p.m. at the union hall.

Windsor-West M.P.P. Teresa Piruzza has been shown the ropes by local nurses. She has taken part in the annual 'Take Your M.P.P. To Work Day' organized by the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario.

Local chapter President Jennifer Johnston says its a way to educate M.P.P.'s about the value of the work nurses do. Johnston says the importance of nurses, whether in the hospital, community or schools, is often overlooked.

No details have been released but police report they have a 'person of interest' after a deliberately set fire early yesterday morning.

Firefighters responded to a garage fire in the 400 block of Parent Avenue about 2:30.

No one was hurt but damage is pegged at $10,000.

In the past 10 days alone, there have been 5 intentionally set fires in the Sycamore and Meadowbrook Lane area. Investigators believe they are connected.

Budget approved in the town of Essex.

It comes in at just under $27 million and includes a 2% tax increase for residents.

Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche says both federal and provincial funding has been cut this year and planned park improvements have been put on hold.

The 2% tax increase adds about $41 onto the tax bill of a home assessed at $150,000.

The worst is over.

Now, the search for a cause begins after a massive fire at a plastics recycling plant on Sprucewood Avenue in Windsor. It's basically out but heavy equipment has been on scene overnight helping firefighters deal with hot spots.

Several factors combined to make it a difficult fire to fight. For one, it covers a large geographical area, making it a challenge to maneuver both people and equipment.

The Ontario Fire Marshall's Office will be on-scene this morning trying to determine a cause.

A state of emergency declared by the city has been lifted and air quality is no longer a concern.

Public school board spokesperson Scott Scantlebury says they've been given the all clear by the board's health and safety officer to open all schools in the area.

There was one person hurt yesterday.  A firefighter who suffered heat-related injuries has been treated and released from hospital.

The investigation of a massive plastics warehouse fire near the raceway continues Wednesday.

The blaze at 730 Sprucewood Avenue is contained.

Air quality readings throughout the night have been normal but the local medical officer of health says people can feel irritation in their eyes and lungs because of the smoke.

The City of Windsor says people living near the massive plastics warehouse fire can now open their windows and turn on the air conditioning.

All roads near the fire have re-opened.

More images from the plastics fire on Sprucewood Ave.

Windsor Fire crews are on the scene of a massive warehouse fire on Sprucewood Avenue at Ojibway Parkway.

Calls to the AM 800 News Centre came from as far away as Harrow from people who could see the thick, black smoke.

AM800 Reporter Peter Langille has been on scene since the fire began.  Here are some of the pictures he took and shared on Twitter.

   Windsor Fire crews are responding to the area of Sprucewood and Ojibway Parkway (700 Sprucewood).

   AM800 has received a number of calls about a large fire in the area.

   It appears to be plastic barrels on fire which has spread to a building.

   Thanks to listener Nancy Barkley for photo.

The Windsor Fire and Rescue Service has been busy lately fighting a rash of intentionally set fires.

There have been 11 arsons in the past 2 weeks.

There have been 5 fires in the Sycamore and Meadowbrook Lane area within the past 10 days in multi-residential buildings.  Investigators believe these are connected.

There have also been 3 fires outside of commercial buildings, one intentionally set fire at Holy Rosary Church, a house fire on Assumption and garage fire on Parent.

Chief Fire Prevention Officer Lee Tome says residents can help.

"Be alert, know what is going on in your area, take a look around your property, take combustibles away from your building.  For those fires taking place inside multi-residential buildings, keep an eye out for who is in your building," says Tome.

Tome says so far, no one has been hurt in these fires or fighting the fires, but that's what they are trying to prevent.

The latest happened around 2:30 this morning after a garage fire on Parent Avenue. 

The Ontario Fire Marshall's office has been called in because the fire started in several locations in or around the garage. (see photo below)

Anyone with information is asked to call Windsor Police or Crimestoppers.

The Windsor-Essex Chapter of the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario is showing Windsor Est MPP Teresa Piruzza the ropes.

She is taking part in the annual Take Your MPP to Work day, taking place at the local health unit and at a number of locations across Ontario.

Local RNAO Chapter President Jennifer Johnston says its a way to educate MPP's about what nurses do.

Johnston says the role of nurses is often overlooked and they could do more to make the healthcare system work better and more efficiently.

Piruzza was shown a number of areas at the health unit including the Oral Health Department, the Prenatal program and the Communicable Disease Prevention Department.

(She's seen flanked by health unit staff and RNAO leaders)

No charges will be laid against any Windsor Police officer following a probe by the province's Special Investigations Unit.

Officers were called in early April for a man riding his bike erratically in the west-end.

The SIU says witnesses report seeing the man strike a passenger's side mirrow of a car with his hand on Prince Road and a truck mirror on Sandwich Street.

The man was also seen falling off his bike and landing on his face in the roadway.

Two Amherstburg Police officers who were in the area spoke to the man before two city police officers arrived.

The 24-year-old man was arrested for public intoxication and taken to the police detention centre.

The SIU says he later complained of having a sore shoulder and was taken to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with a fractured right shoulder.

SIU Director Ian Scott says the man likely sustained his injuries when he fell from his bike and adds there are no reasonable grounds to charge the officers.

Windsor West MPP and Minister of Child and Youth Services, Teresa PIruzza, is pleased the Liberal government budget has the NDP support.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath has announced her party will back the Liberals budget and so a spring election won't be triggered.

Piruzza says she's glad a number of programs included in the budget will now continue forward, specifically the Youth Employment strategy.

Piruzza says Premier Kathleen Wynne was able to come to this agreement because both parties are hearing Ontarians want assistance on the same issues, primarily jobs.

Piruzza says this is a demonstration of the leadership being shown by the premier to prevent a general election.

The pastor of Assumption Parish says the debt accumulated during the failed fundraising efforts to restore the historic church has now been paid off.

Father William (Bill) Riegel says the accumulated debt from the former campaign, and 2 parishes folded in with Assumption totaled well over $300,000.

Father Riegel credits the church's finance committee for handling the situation well.

He says there are special envelopes for parishioners and there have been donations that have allowed the debt to be wrapped up and for the restoration fund to begin growing.

Father Riegel says the restoration process will begin once the restricted account reaches around 7-million dollars, roughly 2-thirds of the projected cost of the work.

Father Riegel made the announcement this weekend to the congregation about the retiring of the debt.

An agreement has been reached between National Auto Radiator in Windsor and the CAW.

But CAW Local 195 President Gerry Farnham can't say whether it's a closure agreement or not.

The 17 workers were locked out by the company April 11th at which time benefits were also cut to the workers and 200 retirees.

Both sides agreed to a 30 day cooling period where the workers agreed not to picket and the benefits were reinstated.

The union had been worried that the company would close the plant

Farnham says the resolution puts workers in a better position now than when they were locked out but he can't released any further details.

The CAW is scheduling a meeting with the workers for next week  to discuss the agreement.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says she'll ensure passage of the provincial budget, avoiding an election.

The minority Liberals need the NDP onside to pass the budget, which is a confidence motion.

The Progressive Conservatives are pushing for an election and said they'd never support the budget, even before they read it.

The Liberals addressed a long list of NDP demands in the budget, but Horwath said she wanted more accountability.

Last week, Premier Kathleen Wynne agreed to Horwath's extra demand for a financial accountability office, modelled on the parliamentary budget office in Ottawa.

Horwath has also asked for ombudsman oversight of the health-care sector, such as hospitals and nursing homes, and a halt to so-called high-occupancy toll lanes.

 

An application to hold a Police Act hearing for a suspended Windsor Police officer behind closed doors has been dismissed.

Constable Dorothy Nesbeth is charged with discreditable conduct and deceit for allegedly failing to declare alcohol at the Ambassador Bridge in July 2010.

She's been suspended with pay for nearly three years.

Defence lawyer Pat Ducharme argued the hearing should go in-camera because full disclosure of the evidence was not given to the defence at the start of the hearing.

Ducharme also contends some Customs information was improperly leaked to police.

Lawyer Ed Posliff represented several media outlets including AM 800 News to argue against the application.

Posliff says the hearing officer recognized the crucial presence of the media at these kinds of hearings when he quoted from a previous ruling.  "The press table is just as much a part of the courtroom as the judge, the witness box and counsel table."

Retired Superintendent Robert Fitches ruled he could find no justiciation for closing the proceedings to the public, saying there must be strong evidence of harm before such a vital part of the system (media) is precluded from participating.

It's a good bet the 'Single Sports Betting Bill' passed in the House of Commons more than a year ago won't become law anytime soon.

It's still being held up in the Senate - a situation that Windsor-West M.P. Brian Masse says is 'unacceptable' and needs to be resolved immediately. He's calling on the Conservatives and Liberals to reign in their Senators.

Masse says the bill would add jobs and hurt organized crime.

Three area students have been recognized by the Mayor's Youth Advisory Committee.

Kristy McLean, Nick Tonial and Rachel Easterbrook are the recipients of this year's Youth Leadership Awards which are presented to people who make a difference in Windsor.

McLean is a 4th year student at the University of Windsor and is the incoming President of the Enactus, a local student group that tries to improve the quality of life for area residents.

Tonial is student Prime Minister at St. Anne's High School.

Easterbrook goes to Massey and has been involved in the 'Run for Rocky' event which raised $65,000 for local Gay-Straight Alliances.

The Farmers Market at the Riverside Sportsmen Club returns for a 5th straight year.

Special Events Director, Kim Kelly says roughly 25 vendors have signed on for the season.

The market is open from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays and from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Sundays.

The official opening is this Sunday,  May 26th.

Investigations are underway into two fires in Windsor overnight.

The first was at 2614 Meadowbrook Lane. The second was just a short distance away at 2609 Sycamore Drive.

Firefighters were called to the Meadowbrook fire about 11 p.m. and, once that was out, were called to the fire on Sycamore.

No cause or damage estimates are available yet. More information is expected later today.

From Environment Canada:

Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect for Windsor - Leamington - Essex County - Chatham-Kent - Rondeau Park

Evening thunderstorms could reach severe limits.

This is an alert to the potential development of severe thunderstorms with large hail, damaging winds or heavy rainfall..Monitor weather conditions and listen for updated bulletins.

A line of thunderstorms over lower Michigan will track eastward to reach areas near Lake Huron and the Michigan border around 8:00 PM.

A few of these storms could reach severe limits with wind gusts to 90 km/h, large hail, and torrential downpours. Frequent cloud to ground lightning can also be expected.

The storms are expected to weaken later this evening, as a result the watch is limited to areas near Lake Huron and the Michigan border.

Big party at the Riverfront Festival Plaza in celebration of Windsor's 121st birthday.

The birthday celebration began with the 7th annual Mayor's Walk followed by live entertainment, inflatables, free food and of course birthday cake and cupcakes.

Mayor Eddie Francis says he has a special "birthday wish" for the city - and that's for the forward momentum to continue.

He says, "We are on a positive upswing, there's a lot of great things happening in our community and as I often hear, especially from people that come back and visit the city that haven't been back in a while, a lot has changed in the city and I think that's one of the most notable comments and compliments that I hear about."

Many councilors took in the event along with Windsor West MP Brian Masse and Windsor West MPP Teresa Piruzza.
 

As the Essex Region Conservation Authority is looking for volunteers for a restore effort taking place at the Big Creek Conservation Area in Amherstburg.

As part of the Authority's 40th anniversary a 40-acre community tree planting event is planned this coming Saturday.

Director of Community Outreach, Danielle Stuebing, says more than 14-hundred trees will be planted by hand - the rest by machine.

The event takes place on May 25th from 10am to noon with a free barbecue afterward for all the planters.

For more information head to erca.org.

A group of Riverside High School students are taking a creative stand against bullying in the form of a 20-foot by 20-foot outdoor mural.

Work will begin this Thursday on the project which is located at the Community Safety Village on Forest Glade Drive.

Visual Arts Teacher, Megan Gignac, says her students are excited to get started.

The mural provide a backdrop for a planned memorial garden that will honour former Riverside student Stephanie Kinghorn who died tragically 10 years ago.

More than 25 students will be working on the project which is expected to be completed this Sunday.

The area around the Rose City Islamic Center has a brand new community garden.

It's being called the 'Garden of Reflection' and will feature an area for residents grow produce as well as a therapeutic area with flowers and fountains.

Lina Chaker is the founder of 'Together We Flourish' and is heading the project.

She says the aim is to bring the community together.

The garden is located at 5420 Empress Street East in front of the Rose City Islamic Center.

Look for 'Together We Flourish' on Facebook for information on upcoming gardening events.

The annual "River Walk" for the downtown Mission is being called a success.

10-thousand dollars was raised to help pay for meals for those in need.

The Mission serves about 200 lunches a day and 130-thousand meals a year.

To donate, go to www.downtownmission.com

The 53rd annual Canada-wide Science Fair is coming to Windsor.

The city has been selected to host the event for the first time in 20-years and it will bring in about one-thousand students from grades 7 to 12.

Sponsors and volunteers are needed.

The event goes next May at the University of Windsor.

Restaurants in Leamington are being encouraged to set up sidewalk cafe's.

It's part of the town's "Community Improvement Plan".

12-thousand dollars will be spent over the next four-years to help property owners with construction costs.      

Grant money will pay for half of the cost of a sidewalk cafe, up to a maximum of two-thousand dollars.

Any restaurant owners who are interested should contact Leamington town hall.

Happy Birthday Windsor!

Today, the city is celebrating its 121st birthday with festivities down at the waterfront.

The mayor's annual walk begins at 10:30 and is followed by live entertainment, childrens activities, food, cake and more until 2pm.

Windsor Police are investigating an early morning stabbing that took place near the University of Windsor.

Police received a call around 4:30am from a resident in the 600-hundred block of Randolph Ave about a man in the street who looked
"distressed". 

When officers arrived they found a 26-year-old male had been stabbed and the suspect had fled the scene.

The injured male was transported to hospital and is in stable condition.

The investigation into the incident continues.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Windsor Police.

Drouillard Park has a brand new name after a special ceremony was held to honour a neighbourhood activist who passed away last summer.

As the founder of the 'Ford City Residents in Action' Garry Dugal played a big part in the community and now 'Garry Dugal Park' will carry on his memory for years to come.

The renaming ceremony took place yesterday and was part of the Ford City Fireworks Festival which was attended by more than 1-thousand people.

The new 'Gary Dugal Park' is located at 1247 Drouillard Road.
 

Local artists take note. The City of Windsor has some funds that may be available to you.

Through the new 'Arts, Culture and Heritage Fund' more than $87-thousand is up for grabs to individuals or organizations who are looking to stimulate creative and economic growth in the community.

Manager of Cultural Affairs, Cathy Masterson, says the city is also looking for a panel of jurors to help select who gets the grant money - specifically jurors who have some knowledge and experience within the creative community.

The city is holding application sessions on May 21st at Mackenzie Hall and May 23rd at the Malden Park Visitors Centre - both sessions are at 7pm.

Go to ACHFWindsor.ca for more information.

The Charlie Brooks Memorial Peace Fountain is officially up and running after being shut down for the winter season.

The fountain located in Coventry Gardens on Riverside Drive East offers up a light and water show daily from 10am until midnight.

The City of Windsor employs a team of technicians, divers and crane operators to prepare the nozzles and pumps in the only international floating fountain in North America.

The Peace Fountain has 150 lights and pumps roughly 12-thousand gallons of water per minute.

Officials at the Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association are looking forward to the impact some major funding is going to have on programming.

As AM800 News told you Friday, nearly $600-thousand on its way to the association from the federal government to improve services and hire additional staff.

WETRA Program Director, Sue Klotzer, says the funding is going to change the way the program operates - adding the funding will allow them to have in-house therapists.

Founded in 1963, WETRA is now being used as a model for other communities across the Canada who want to offer a similar program.

More than 2-hundred children use the therapeutic horse back riding service every week.

If you're in the mood for some ice cream then why not head to Cold Stone Creamery and help out a good cause.

All weekend long 20-percent of all proceeds will go to Transition to Betterness and its 'Rooms to Wings' capital campaign which ensures cancer patients in Windsor receive comfortable end-of-life care.

T2B Event Coordinator, Nadia DiDomenico, says the program helps families and patients - with a focus on creating a home-like atmosphere in the hospital for cancer patients and their families.

The fund raiser takes place at the Cold Stone Creamery locations on Tecumseh Road East, Howard Ave and Walker Road.

Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis says the former chair of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation brought a business-like focus to the organization.

Francis is reacting after Paul Godfrey was fired as Chair of the corporation.

He says Godfrey inherited a mess and was brought in to the OLG when everyone else was running the other way.

Francis says he didn't always agree with the changes at the OLG saying you can always do things better.

Godfrey had been chairman of the O-L-G since February 2010.

It's time once again for the Amherstburg Farmer's Market.

This is the fourth year for the market taking place on Saturdays at the Malden Community and Cultural Centre on County Road 20.

Amherstburg Manager of Tourism and Culture Anne Rota says there are 14 vendors at the market, all selling local merchandise.

Rota adds the market is committed to the "Buy Local" campaign.

The market will run every Saturday 8:30 to 1:30 until September.

Ontario's Special Investigations Unit is probing the circumstances surrounding a police involved death in Chatham.

Just after 3:30 Friday afternoon, Chatham-Kent Police officers were investigating a man in the area of Richmond and Byne.

The man made his way to the railroad tracks and was struck and killed by a Via train.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

Tecumseh OPP and Amherstburg Police believe they are looking for the same suspects.

Multiple break and enters have been reported in Tecumseh in the area of Russel Woods and St Clair Beach - and in Amherstburg in the area of Forest Hill Crescent.

The first suspect is described as a white male,about 60 years old,  approximately 5'6", stocky build with grey facial growth, unshaven, round fat face, wearing a red wool hat with a ball cap over top.

A second suspect is described as being approximately 5 9 tall, black waist length jacket, black pants wearing a black wool cap. 

Witnesses also described the vehicle driven by the suspects as being a dark blue Chevrolet Impala, early to late 2000 model. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

A pedeistrian has been struck and killed by a VIA train in Chatham.

Ontario's Special Investigations Unit is probing the circumstances surrounding the police involved death.

Just after 3:30 this afternoon, Chatham-Kent Police officers were investigating a man in the area of Richmond and Byne.

The man made his way to the railroad tracks and was struck and killed by a via train.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

The Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association is getting a big boost from the federal government.

Nearly $600-thousand will be used to improve services and showcase the organization as a model to be used by other communities across the country.

Barb Holland is the Board President for WETRA and says the work that's done with children is amazing.

"We see great results everyday with our clients that come out here. We have little ones from two years old up on horse back receiving therapy and what we see day to day is real and it's life changing. It gives hope to families, it gives respite to families and give our children and chance to grow and develop," says Holland.

Founded more than 40 years ago WETRA serves 200 local children a week offering them therapeutic horse back riding lessons.

Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis says a new funding formula for hosting the casino is extremely positive for the city.

The new formula from the province is based on a share of slots and table games revenue as opposed to the old formula where Windsor got a flat fee.

The change means Windsor is getting more money, which will be used to offset a drop in property assessments across the city at the casino, Devonshire Mall, Chrysler, Ford and other major employers.

The city now gets a total $9.5 million from hosting the casino  which includes $3 million in hosting fees, $1.8 million for extra police officers and $4.7 million in property taxes. 

Under the new formula, Windsor will get  $15. 7 million  which includes $11 million to cover hosting fee and cops plus the $4.7 million in property taxes.

At its peak, Mayor Francis says the casino used to pay $13 million dollars in property taxes.

"Today they are paying 4.7 million dollars and there is a significant gap and these dollars will go a long way to help us make up those appeals and other appeals from Devonshire mall to Ford to Chrysler to other large property," says Francis.

Mayor Francis says the extra money is already earmarked.

"The reason I say it's not a windfall is that drop, and we have been holding the line on taxes, that drop in assessment has to be made up.  Its part of the operating levy and we have established a reserve and we have been funding that drop out of that reserve."

City Council will have to sign off on the agreement which is expected sometime next month.