This week, Heart FM's Jeff Johnson examines a Waterloo pigeon business that has been targeting local farmers.  Every day, the information from each part of this series will be posted on our website to act as a reference as the series goes on... 

- This past week, we have been talking about a battle between international organizations.... 

- One of them is Crimebusters Now, a non-profit organization that tries to expose scams and frauds through business. Some of the businesses that Crime Busters now has gone up against in court, and won, include Treasure Traders International and Business in Motion. 

- The other is Waterloo-based Pigeon King International, a multi-million dollar agricultural businesss based around the sale of pigeons, focusing on creating more breeding stock for future investors. They're being accused of being a ponzi scheme.

 - In a case like this, it comes down to what you believe. Take all the information you've been given and make the decision for yourself.  

- Many have done business with Pigeon King International and have not lost through the venture. In 6 years, it has turned into a multi-million dollar corporation.  

- The Waterloo Regional Police nor any other law enforcement agency  have charged this business with a crime and no complaintants have directly come forward to do so. 

- However, there is always another side of the coin. There are suspicions held by a handful of people, such as David Thornton of Crimebusters Now and Bob Pilcher, a pigeon breeder out of Brandon, Manitoba who's been in the business for a number of years. who believe that this business is a ponzi scheme, a form of pyramid that will eventually collapse. 

- Meanwhile, there are a number of organizations who refuse to comment either way, like the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Oxford County's Federation of Agriculture or the Mennonite Savings and Credit Union, which finances many farmers who do business with Pigeon King. Just like before getting into any business venture, do the research and investigate into just how much of an investment this is going to be for you and ask yourself these questions...  

1. Is the investment worth it?
2. Does the payout make sense?
3. Where is the end market for this business?
4. Are you up to the challenge of creating the structure needed for this business?
5. If you are already in an agricultural business, can you make the changeover to this line of work?  

- Consult an investment broker or a reputable financial institution to advise you through the process and remember that the final decision is up to you.

Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis calls it more than just a token commitment.

Last night, Woodstock presented the Windsor Mayor with a 2nd installment, a 17-thousand dollar cheque to help the city pay for a solution to get commercial traffic flowing with better efficiency into the US.

Woodstock has now paid Windsor 34-thousand dollars, or one-dollar for each Woodstonian.  It's a small gesture, considering Windsor has spent 3-and-a-half million dollars on studies to improve the border crossing.  Francis was very grateful for Woodstock's contribution, pointing out we are the only municipality to show financial support for a problem that effects the entire region.

And with a specific mention of that crossing made in this week's federal throne speech, Mayor Francis feels the improvements will soon be more than just plans on paper.

On November 14th at Craigowan Golf & country club local residents can get together and satisfy their sweet tooth while raising money to help fight cancer.

Groups who join get a chance to decorate a table with any theme you can think of.  It's an evening of fun, friendly competition and yummy desserts.  All proceeds go to the Oxford Canadian Cancer Societ.

Contact Info:

Josie Atkinson   (519) 537-5592

                Or

Maris Bowerman  (519)539-1075

This week, Heart FM's Jeff Johnson examines a Waterloo pigeon business that has been targeting local farmers.  Every day, the information from each part of this series will be posted on our website to act as a reference as the series goes on...

- In part 4, we take a look at what a Ponzy scheme is, step-by-step, in comparison to the company in question, Pigeon King International... 

- Thornton describes a Ponzi scheme as particularly reprehensive in that they defraud unsuspecting, and in many instances financially desperate victims out of hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars.

- A Ponzi scheme simply extorts through fraud money from later investors to pay the profits of the fraudster while at the same time enriching the earlier investors over a much longer and protracted period of time. 

- Those in the early stages of these Ponzi schemes who may possibly recover their investments and make a profit, then become unwitting accomplices to the crime by passing on this reprehensible "business opportunity" to their friends and families, who ultimately become the losers.

- For more information on Ponzy schemes, visit these websites:             

http://www.sec.gov/answers/ponzi.htm            

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponzi_scheme            

http://members.impulse.net/~thebob/Pyramid.html 

- Pigeon King International's investments start out around 20 thousand dollars and simply go up from there.

- Their contract stipulates that you cannot sell the pigeons to an outside source... You buy the original breeder pigeons from Arlan Galbraith, who will then return and buy back the baby pigeons from your farm at a fraction of the breeder price. You also can't retain the young for future breeding stock.  If you do sell to others or retain young stock, the company will cut you off and won't have anything to do with you anymore. 

- In order to exit a contract early, you have to find a relative or neighbour who is willing to buy your contract and take over for you. This way, all Pigeon King International has to do is change the name on the checks that they send out.- For complete details about Pigeon King International, visit their website:           

http://www.thepigeonflyer.com/ 

- In the last part of this 5 part series, we will be giving an overview of the information gathered so far... and give you a chance to make your decision. 

Be sure to tune in to Heart FM News every day this week at 7 AM, 8:30 AM, Noon, 4:30 PM and 6 PM for the latest in this 5 part series.

And then there were two.

Blandford-Blenheim township has taken the next step towards breaking off with the Oxford Community Police.  Last night in another 3-2 decision, Blandford-Blenheim decided to enter into a contract with the OPP.

Meantime, in East-Zorra-Tavistock, that township agreed to meet with the City of Woodstock to discuss a new partnership agreement to preserve the Oxford Community Police Service.

It was a friendly gesture from the friendly city, back in June of 2006, Woodstock sent a 17-thousand dollar payment to the city of Windsor.

Tonight, Windsor's Mayor Eddie Francis pays a visit to the Friendly City to pick up the second installment of 17-thousand dollars.

The money equates to 1-dollar per Woodstock resident and is being paid to Windsor to help with its border crossing issues.

And while 34-thousand dollars is a drop in the bucket, it was a signal to other municipalities that border crossings affect the entire region.

Tonight, Mayor Francis will also update city council on their plans for improving the Windsor-Detroit crossing.

A 26-year-old Woodstock man will make a court appearance this morning facing drug trafficking charges. 

Officers with the OCPS Drug Task force raided the home of Jeremy Brown on Victoria Street and seized a large amount of marihuana, ecstasy, crack cocaine and oxyconten--that's in addition to about 6-thousand dollars in cash. 

Police say street value of the drugs is about 2-thousand dollars.

Liberal Leader Stephane Dion says Canadians don't want another election and the Liberals are determined to make Parliament work.
    He says his party will not bring down the Conservative minority government over the throne speech.
    The party devised a tactic that will allow Liberals to express their objections to the Conservative throne speech without bringing down the government and forcing an election.

Dion proposed an amendment to the throne speech today which was worded in such a way that the N-D-P won't be able to support it, thereby keeping the government alive.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper got a standing ovation from Tory M-P's today in a campaign-style caucus meeting.
It came the day after the government outlined its plans for governing in last night's throne speech.   

With a snap federal election possible, Harper boasted about his party's success in recent Quebec byelections.

In speaking with Heart FM this morning, Oxford MP Dave MacKenzie told us he doesn't believe there will be a fall election.  He says Liberal members he's talked to indicate there are items they like, and items they don't like in the speech, but the feeling is there aren't enough negatives to justify an election.

In last night's throne speech, the Conservatives promised tax cuts, including a 1 per cent cut of the GST.  They also promised more anti-crime legislation.  Also included in the speech an annoucement that Canada cannot meet its greenhouse-gas reduction targets under the Kyoto protocol.

The government also promises a vote on the Afghan mission.

A good, steady stream of local citizens attended last night's public meeting on the future of the Burgess Park/Standard Tube lands.

All four proponents with their proposals were on hand to try and educate the public last night.

John Robinson, the designer of the Sally Creek Golf Course was on hand to pitch the idea of an additional 9 holes for Sally Creek on those lands.

But two local environmental groups consider the golf course proposal as destructive.  Michael Black with the Friends of Pittock says they want that land preserved and trails and a nature centre added for ALL Woodstock residents to use.

This week, Heart FM's Jeff Johnson examines a Waterloo pigeon business that has been targeting local farmers.  Every day, the information from each part of this series will be posted on our website to act as a reference as the series goes on... 

- There are a handful of people supporting the accusations being made against Pigeon King International based out of Waterloo. One of them is David Thornton of the non-profit organization Crimebusters Now. 

- Thornton has gone up against frauds in business before, he has also won in court against businesses such as Treasure Traders International and Business in Motion. 

- Thornton isn't the only one making comments about Pigeon King... Bob Pilcher is a Pigeon Breeder out of Brandon, Manitoba who had some unkind words about the Pigeon King... 

- Pilcher feels that this business is a pyramid scheme, and says that "he's buying them from you to sell them to me, and buying them from me to sell them to the next guy, but once nobody else is buying them, its all going to crash and burn." 

- Pilcher also says that the breeds that are bred by Pigeon King are not a recognized breed by the Canadian Pigeon Fanciers Association, and that "you can basically catch them off the bridge and he wouldn't know the difference." 

- However, the CEO of Pigeon King International Arlan Galbraith says that having his breeds recognized by the Canadian Pigeon Fanciers Association is not his goal. 

- Arlan says his birds are a composite bird that he's developed, no different then a hybrid chicken, cow or pig. 

- In the next part of this 5 part series, we will take a look at what makes a Ponzy Scheme step-by-step, to better understand the accusations that Pigeon King is up against. 

Be sure to tune in to Heart FM News every day this week at 7 AM, 8:30 AM, Noon, 4:30 PM and 6 PM for the latest in this 5 part series.

Oxford Community Police have released a suspect description after an elderly woman was mugged at a local bank.

It was 12:30 Monday afternoon when the woman was using the ATM at the Royal Bank on Springbank Avenue.

The suspect approached from behind and held a weapon to her back, and demanded money.

He got the cash and fled southbound through the parking lot.  The suspect is described as being 16-17-years-old, 5-foot-8 a thin build with light coloured hair.  He was wearing a blue hoodie.

Police are investigating to see if there may be a connection to the knife-point robbery at Woodstock Hydro earlier this month.

New details have been released in a car chase that closed down the 401 eastbound for a number of hours on Saturday outside of Woodstock, including the identity of the person responsible.

22 year old Crystal Gale Young of Kitchener was arrested after a high speed chase on the weekend, which started from an armed robbery attempt of the Mac's Milk on Vansittart Ave in Woodstock.

Young faces 12 seperate charges, including assaulting a police officer and dangerous driving causing bodily harm.

300-million dollars and counting.

The City of Woodstock continues to shatter records for new building permit values in 2007, with 3 months to go.

Third-quarter results put the city's permit values at 304.7-million dolllars, more than doubling last year's record.

Development Officer Brad Hammond says its truly a landmark year.  And while the majority of the growth comes from the industrial sector, Hammond says commercial and residential numbers show steady growth.

The city has matched the number of housing starts from last year, here at the end of the 3rd quarter.

2007 Permit Values to Date:

Industrial         $236,651,233
Residential       $ 36,377,174
Commercial     $ 21,142,695
Institutional   $   8,767,900

A public meeting is being held tonight at Goff Hall in Woodstock.

All four parties will be on hand to give their ideas on the future of the Burgess Park/Standard Tube lands.

Developers and environmentalists are battling over the land in the northwest corner of the city.

Sally Creek developers will be on hand tonight, presenting their case for an additional 9 holes for their golf course.  

Friends of Pittock and the Green Earth Campaign are lobbying for the lands to be left in its natural state.

A fourth proposal comes from a landowner in the area, who’s offering a land swap so a road can be built to connect Highway 59 to Oxford Road 30 and the 11th line.

Tonight’s meeting runs from 5 till 8 o’clock at Goff Hall in the Community Complex.

The OPP wants you to know that "Lock It or Lose It" is not just a catchy phrase.

The second part of their campaign to get Oxford County drivers to lock up their cars took place in Tillsonburg today, with much better results.

Police found that out of 620 vehicles checked, only 10 percent of those were unlocked, as compared to 30 percent of the vehicles during a recent test in Ingersoll.

However, the number of car-owners leaving their valuables in their cars is still pretty high.  Cellphones, cameras, watches and other electronics were found in about a third of the vehicles checked.

This week, Heart FM's Jeff Johnson examines a Waterloo pigeon business that has been targeting local farmers.  Every day, the information from each part of this series will be posted on our website to act as a reference as the series goes on...

- While Pigeon King International is being accused of being a pyramid scheme by David Thornton, the founder of the non-profit organization Crimebusters Now, the company's CEO Arlan Galbraith says he doesn't want to get into a bitter war with David Thornton.

- Galbraith believes that Thornton's income is probably geared toward the fact that he runs a non-profit organization where he doesn't have to pay taxes. Galbraith also believes that he's wasting his time going after Pigeon King.

- There's a number of people who would go to bat for Pigeon King International, as hundreds of people have provided testimonial letters for the business. Galbraith believes that as long as the people he does business with are happy, that's all that matters.

- Galbraith also says that it doesn't matter to him what the negative people in society want to talk about. as "all they are is a self-righteous bunch of people who like to shoot their mouth off."

- The letters from people who support Pigeon King International range from places like Tupperville, Lucknow and Campden in Ontario, Steinbach in Manitoba, to places in Ohio like Dundee and Holmesville.

- There are still people who have lingering doubts about Pigeon King International. In the next part, we'll speak with Bob Pilcher, a pigeon breeder out of Brandon, Manitoba with some harsh words for the Pigeon King.

Be sure to tune in to Heart FM News every day this week at 7 AM, 8:30 AM, Noon, 4:30 PM and 6 PM for the latest in this 5 part series.  

Traffic is moving along fine again on the 401 Westbound now after a scarry incident earlier this afternoon.

It was about 2:30 when Oxford OPP say a transport truck carrying a pair of propane tankers lost the rear tank right in the middle of the highway.

Luckily, it was empty.

But as a precaution, police shut down the westbound lanes of the highway at Oxford Road 2 while propane experts were called to evaluate the scene.

The truck and tankers were moved to the side of the road...no word on any charges.

Oxford County will be lending its support to an initiative that could make a new path to the United States.

County Council will support the start of a feasability and impact study into an international ferry service between Port Burwell and Fairport Harbour in Ohio.

Lobbying for Oxford support for this project began just over a month ago.  Lynn Acre, the Warden of Elgin County attended County Council with the U.S Mayors to talk about the proposal that will require significant provincial and federal funding.

Thanks to a recent boost of over 38 thousand dollars, the United Way of Oxford has now reached 25 per cent of its campaign goal...a lofty figure that looks well within reach.

Friday the Hobart Brothers of Canada announced that they wrapped up their United Way campaign, collecting almost 40-thousand dollars. And with the fundraisers campaign well underway
Gilson tells Heart Fm News big or small every donation counts.

Once again The United Way of Oxford's goal is 927-thousand and seven dollars.

Gilson says Oxford residents should expect to see the United Way's red envelope arriving on doorsteps soon.

This week, Heart FM's Jeff Johnson examines a Waterloo pigeon business that has been targeting local farmers.  Every day, the information from each part of this series will be posted on our website to act as a reference as the series goes on...

- Pigeon King International is a Waterloo-based organization that specializes in the raising and breeding of specialty pigeons.

- The company owns a number of pigeon flocks themselves and contracts pigeons out on farms. They sell breeding stock out to farmers under contract, paying all the offspring back from farmers at a guaranteed prize.

- There are three contracts offered by Pigeon King International...
1. Buy a pair of breeders for $100, sell the young birds back for $10.
2. Buy a pair of breeders for $250. sell the young birds back for $25.
3. Buy a pair of breeders for $500, sell the young birds back for $50.

- This multi-million dollar Waterloo business is being accused of being a Ponzi scheme, which is a form of Pyramid scheme. The man making this accusation is David Thornton of the international non-profit organization Crimebusters Now.

- Thornton says that the only way that all the expenses are being met in this business are by new investors being brought in. He has the people under contract raise the birds, pays them 50 dollars and then he takes those birds and sells them to the next person for $500.

- Thornton says that this is illegal. He says that by using the money from new purchasers to pay out the old ones, its a violation of Section 206, subsection 1E of the Criminal Code, a violation of the Competition Act and a violation of Section 380 of the Criminal Code about simple fraud.

Be sure to tune in to Heart FM News every day this week at 7 AM, 8:30 AM, Noon, 4:30 PM and 6 PM for the latest in this 5 part series.

A 22 year old Kitchener woman is now in police custody after a high speed chase that led to the 401 being closed near Woodstock for a number of hours yesterday.

It all began with an armed robbery attempt at the Max Milk on Vansittart Avenue in Woodstock, where the woman hit the clerk with a tire iron and demanded cash.

Police later found the woman's car in the area of Perry and Simcoe Streets, where the chase began.  It eventually took the driver and police to the eastbound 401 where a collision occurred between the woman's car, a police cruiser and a transport truck.

Everyone involved in the crash were treated at the hospital for minor injuries. The Kitchener resident is in custody facing a number of charges.

First a new police force, now a new fire hall is coming to the Village of Norwich.

Township council approved the 1.2-million dollar project this week, the winning bid coming from Sierra Construction.

The 765 square-meter building can also be used as an emergency shelter.

Norwich council was in a position to make the move due to the half-million-dollar savings coming from the switch to OPP service, presumably starting in 2009.

Two new construction projects have been approved by Oxford County Council and work could be started in the coming weeks.

The first project is a restoration project of the old Oxford County Jail, now the site of the Oxford County Board of Health. The goal of the project is to restore the original bartizans on the roof, as well as two brick chimneys removed through renovations in 1954.

The other project will see a monument put in place outside of Woodstock's courthouse dedicated to violence against women. This monument will be installed by the Oxford Regional Labour Council and will be placed on the west side of the courthouse and work should be completed before the end of the year.

The judges for an award celebrating the best in Ontario for wood-based construction have their eyes set on Innerkip

The Innerkip Highland Golf Course is one of many nominees for the 7th Annual Ontario Wood WORKS! Awards.

The awards for this year will be presented at the 7th Annual Awards Gala in Toronto on November 6th.

The award recognizes people and organizations that are dedicated to pioneering and preserving the use of wood.

There'll be less drugs on the streets in Woodstock, after a cocaine bust by Oxford Community Police.

It all began early Thursday evening when plainclothes officers approached a vehicle in Woodstock at George and Kent.

A short time later, two homes were searched, one on Victoria Street, the other on Short Ave. Police arrested twelve people during the take downs.

In total, about 120 grams of of powder and crack cocaine were seized, along with about a pound of marijuana and 10 thousand dollars in cash.

5 people from Woodstock are facing drug related charges, including 19 year old Ryan Mclean, 25 year old Joseph Hainer, 28 year old Nicholas Bright, 33 year old William Maxwell and 39 year old James Carter. Carter also faces charges for possessing the proceeds of crime.

Mayors of Canada's big cities are asking for billions of dollars to fix the country's aging roads, bridges and sewers.

Specifically, the Mayors are asking for 1-cent of the federal GST money.  That would equate to 5-Billion dollars annually.

Woodstock Mayor Michael Harding tells Heart FM that this money would benefit big and small cities, like Woodstock.

Yesterday's call by the Big City Mayors for that funding comes ahead of the federal government's throne speech on Tuesday.  Those Mayors also claim 100-Billion dollars is needed to fix and maintain the country's infrastructure.

A four county traffic blitz in Oxford Community Police jurisdiction led to 73 charges against local drivers.

Most were speeders, but there were a few drivers not buckled up, along with liscense and insurance problems.

The blitz also hit commercial vehicles hard with 56 per cent of the trucks put out of service, 10 out of 18, 11 charges were laid.  One trucker was driving with a suspended liscense.

OCPS thank the OPP along with Aylmer, St. Thomas, Stratford, Strathroy-Caradoc and London Police for their assistance in Thursday's blitz.

A new play opens tonight at Theatre Woodstock.

Storm Warning has been in the works for several months and takes to the stage tonight at 8 o'clock.

Set in 1953, Storm Warning is a play about a World War II vet and a free-spirited woman who tries to change his outlook on life.

Theatre spokesperson Chris Derbowka says the play runs nightly through October 20th, including a Sunday 2PM matinee.

The Theatre is also offering its popular dinner theatre package on Wednesday.

You can reach the box office at 537-2582.

Four is a magic number for Ernie Hardeman.  On the week he became a grandfather for the 4th time, Hardeman cruised to a fourth term in office...for four more years.  He finished with 18,444 votes.

In his speech at the Iron Grill on election night, Hardeman says his appointment as MPP will make history in Oxford County as the longest serving Member of Provincial Parliment.

Political newcomer Brian Jackson is taking his loss in stride.

The Liberal came in 2nd place, about 7000 votes back of Hardeman.

The retired teacher called it a life lesson.

Jackson said there was a bit of sweetness with the loss, as the Liberals rolled to a majority win.  Jackson says he would have liked to have been a part of the government.

Ontario's Green Party made great strides in Wednesday's election, but failed to win a single seat.

However, the Green popular vote was up substantially from 2003.  It jumped from 3 per cent to 11 per cent, partially due to the fact that they were running candidates in all ridings for the first time.

Oxford Green candidate, Tom Mayberry in 2003 received just over 800 votes, or 2 per cent.  This time he received 44-hundred votes for 8 per cent.

Biker-Slayings-Trial

 A date has been set for the trial of eight people accused in the slayings of eight Bandido biker club members in April, 2006.
The bodies of the eight bikers were found stuffed into car trunks near Shedden.
The trials are to start next September in London and last three to six months.
Six people face first-degree murder charges and the other two are charged with accessory after the fact and obstruction of justice.
Pre-trial motions will be heard over five weeks starting next March. (London Free Press)

A body has been recovered from the Grand River and police suspect it may be that of a boater missing since last Friday.

The body was found Wednesday in an isolated area of the river and has been sent to a Hamilton hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Police hope that examination yields a positive identification.

Leo Sexsmith of Brantford was reported missing last Friday after police received a call that a boater was in distress near Brantford.

The 58-year-old man had gone boating with a 60-year-old friend, who was found alive on shore by people passing by in a boat. 

It will be out with the OCPS and in with the OPP in Norwich Township.

Norwich Township Council voted unanimously last night to sign a contract with the OPP, a move that the Mayor of Norwich, Donald Doan, says could save the township and the taxpayers up to a half-million dollars annually.

242 polling stations are open across Oxford County as Ontario votes to form a new government tonight.

This election, voters have had more access to polling stations than ever before, as a result advance polling numbers are up a substantial 30 per cent in Oxford over the 2003 election.

Province-wide, advance polls are up 26.8 per cent as the province put greater emphasis on opening more polling stations, with longer hours.

As for today, Returning Officer Beth Martin says there's been a steady stream of voters all morning.

A firebug has struck the drop off box of one of Woodstock's essential services.

The drop off box for the Ontario Disability Support Office on 93 Graham Street was set ablaze last night around 9 o'clock yesterday.

Woodstock Fire crews were able to contain the fire however, all of the welfare and disability forms inside the box were destroyed.

The only drop-off box that was affected by the fire was the ODSP box.

If any local residents dropped off forms after 5 o'clock Friday through the holiday weekend they should call the ODSP office at 537-5579.

At this point, there is no estimate as to how much the damages will cost and the investigation is continuing.

Costs of P3 hospitals in Ontario are soaring with cost over-runs hitting a Billion dollars.

Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman says that's why delays in starting the Woodstock hospital are even more concerning.  While the cost estimates on the Woodstock hospital have yet to be made public, Hardeman says the it should be 100-million dollar range.

In Sarnia, their 140-million dollar hospital will now cost 214-million to build.  Sarnia's Mayor speculates Liberal cabinet minister Caroline DiCocco could lose her seat in tomorrow's election because of the issue.

Brampton's projected construction costs have gone from 350-million to 650-million, North Bay's hospital has more than doubled from 218-million to 550-million.

The estimate on our new hospital has not been made public.

But with the project ready to go out for tender, and a local construction market booming, Hardeman thinks the price can only go up.

150 workers laid-off from Collins and Aikman in Ingersoll are getting a helping hand.

Ingersoll's CAW Local 2163 along with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities have established an action centre for the displaced workers.

Walt Onishenko is involved with this action centre and he was involved with the John Deere Action Centre in Woodstock, one of the most sucessful in the province.  (94% success rate)

Onishenko says there will be all sorts of programs to help the former Collins and Aikman staff get back on their feet.  And he adds the action centre is completely confidential.  Registration begins tomorrow for a resume writing course that begins on October 22nd.

The action centre's hours of operation are: Monday 10-1, Wednesday 12:30-3, Thursday 3-6PM.

Fire Prevention week kicks off today and this year fire officials are stressing the importance of planning ahead.

Lisa Woods is with the Woodstock Fire Department and tells Heart FM News this years theme is 'Practice Your Escape Plan'.

A recent study commissioned by the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs found that 64% of Canadians claim to have a home fire escape plan. But of the 64%, 63% had not practiced their escape plan with family members even once.

Woods adds that you have less than a minute to escape a home fire safely--which is why it's vital that everyone in the home knows exactly what to do if a fire starts and the smoke alarms sound.

Cars weren't the only property seized by police this weekend...

Oxford County had its share of drug-related charges this weekend with two seperate traffic stops resulting in three people being arrested.

Two men were arrested near Springford by the Oxford Community Police Service on Sunday. A routine stop for an improper license plate led to seizing a quantity of crack cocaine and cash.

A 37-year-old Woodstock man was also stopped and searched on Monday, uncovering marijuana and drug paraphernalia.  The man was later charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Local 636 of the Canadian Auto Workers are doing what they can to give a helping hand to those who need food this Thanksgiving.

Volunteers from the CAW's recreation committee are holding a free Thanksgiving dinner today in Woodstock,  which offers servings of turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and your choice of apple, pumpkin or blueberry pie...

Dinner will be served from 1:30 to 3 this afternoon at the CAW hall on Beale Street. This is the tenth year the dinner has been offered, serving about 250 people annually.

15 years ago, Woodstock joined with 400 other towns and cities across Canada in creating a peace park and now that park will be re-dedicated at Noon Monday.

A new addition will be given to the Charlie Tatham Peace Park on the west end of Woodstock. A 13th Oak tree will be planted in the park, symbolizing Canada's third territory Nunavut...

Originally, There were only two territories and 10 provinces back when the park was dedicated in 1982.

The park was originally dedicated through an initiative by the International Institute for Peace through Tourism, whose goal was to have 2010 peace parks around the world by the year 2010 in order to commerorate the final year of the United Nations Decade of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World.

An 18 year old girl from Cambridge is dead after a crash near the town of North Perth on Perth Line 86.

The crash happened at the intersection of Perth Line 86 and Marybourgh Road 15 Sunday morning just before Noon. A GMC Safari van crashed into the passenger side of the Oldsmobile the girl was riding in, while trying to make a left-hand turn.

18 year old Lisa Basham was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Oldsmobile, 20 year old David Darling, as well as the driver and passenger of the Safari, were taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Everyone involved in the crash was wearing their seatbelts at the time of the accident. Police are continuing their investigation.

A former Woodstock church will be converted into an affordable housing complex.

City Council has given approval for Rotberg Development Group to convert the former All Saints Church on Winnett St. into a 16-unit apartment building.

The developer, Howard Rotberg says the 1-bedroom units will be priced for those with low-to-moderate incomes.  An existing wheelchair ramp at the church will open the building to those needing handicapped accessible housing.

However, the development isn't sitting well with 100 residents in the area.  A petition came forward to council asking them not to approve the in-fill.

The proposal was approved.

Police have located a missing 26 year old male after a search through Zorra township and beyond.

The man from Zorra Township went missing after a confrontation with his family around 6:30 PM Friday night, leaving his home with a pitchfork.

The man was considered a risk to area homes, as he was suffering from a mental health issue and was off his medication. The search was called off though when he turned himself into police yesterday afternoon in Waterloo region.

The investigation is currently ongoing and charges in the confrontation are pending.

Police are putting full use to the province's tough new road law to target speeders and aggressive and dangerous drivers.
   
Under the legislation drivers face a minimum fine of two thousand dollars and could have their vehicle impounded for a week, a situation that a 23 year old man from Drumbo found himself in before the weekend.

The man was clocked going 139 kilometres an hour in a 50 kilometre an hour zone on Queen Street in New Dundee.

Ontario Provincial Police are currently trying to located a man in Zorra Township who poses a safety risk to homes in the area.

The 26 year old male from Zorra Township was last seen around 6:30 PM Friday night  after threatening family members with a pitchfork. The altercation happened at his home on road 92 in Zorra Township, west of county road 6 near the village of Brooksdale. The male was last seen heading south on Road 92.

He is described as a 5 foot 8 white male with a stocky build, weighing about 200 pounds. He has a military hair cut with blonde streaks, prominent scarring on the back of his neck and was last wearing a light colored t-shirt, blue jeans and white NIKE sneakers.

Police are asking if you see this man, do not approach him and call police immediately, as the man suffers from mental health issues and is currently off his medication. The public is advised not to stop and assist this male and immediately call police at 911 or 1-888-310-1122.

With three of the four Oxford Community Police partners now teetering towards OPP service, Woodstock may be left with its own police force.

The idea was discussed at City Council last night, with Councillor Pat Sobeski insisting Woodstock needs to start planning for that possibility now.

However, council agreed to continue to meet with East-Zorra-Tavistock to discuss a partnership, and city council remains open to discussions with the other two partners that seem intent on hiring the OPP.

Today's Heart FM Webpoll question of the day...what do you think Woodstock should do with policing if the other partners leave?  Give us your feedback on the website today.

Woodstock City Council has ordered its staff to cover the remaining exposed portions of the Studio 9 Sign on Graham St.

Last night, two delegations came before council, asking them to cover up the entire sign.  Studio 9 was a former adult entertainment parlour that closed more than 5 years ago.

The sign remained adjacent to Central Public School, President of the Parent Council, Heather Blum explained her concerns to council.  She says the sign doesn't depict women in an appropriate fashion.

Woodstock Hydro has a new President and CEO with a fimiliar face.

Hydro's Board of Directors have appointed Ross McMillan to the top post, after sucessfully holding down the fort at acting President and CEO for the past year.

McMillan has been with the organization for 14-years.

It's harvest season, but some local drug dealers won't have much, if any crop this year.

Oxford Community Police and the RCMP Drug Enforcement Section have been scouring local fields for pot plants the past several weeks.

To date, 1,787 marijuana plants have been pulled with a street value of 1.78-million dollars.

Police believe the buds were destined for the streets of Oxford County and surrounding areas.

Locals travelling in rural areas are asked to keep an eye out for suspicious activity around fields and bush lots.

Six high school students are being recognized for their achievements by the local Real Estate Board. The Woodstock-Ingersoll &District Real Estate Board's Community Advisory Committee will be awarding six young people with a 5-hundred dollar bursaries. All six students are enrolled in a recognized skilled trades field.

Board President Lori Goldhawk says Letters have gone out to the recipients and the students will be awarded at their commencement.

Unavoidable. That's how East Zorra Tavistock Mayor Don McKay describes council's decision to look into OPP costing.  Last night council voted down its support for a new Oxford Community Police radio system and voted 6-1 in favor of looking into OPP costing. McKay says the OCPS agreement for Tavistock is now at risk and tells Heart FM it's because local policing no longer has the support of Blandford Blenheim and Norwich--Tavistock.

Long on questions...short on answers.

Two information sessions were held today at Woodstock's Southgate Centre, as Elections Canada official, Keith Hudson attempted to clarify the electoral reform referrendum question being asked of voters this election.

The proposed change would subtract 17 ridings from Ontario, and add 39 members that would be appointed from 'party lists' based on a province-wide popular vote.

To succeed, the referrendum requires 60 per cent overall approval, and 60 per cent of Ontario ridings to approve of the MMP system.

If it passes, legislation would have to be created by the end of the year that would define many of the unknowns, like which ridings will be eliminated, and what responsibilities the list members would have.

For more information, visit www.yourbigdecision.ca.

A controversial sign in downtown Woodstock is getting some cover-up by city hall after more complaints have surfaced.

The former Studio 9 Adult Entertainment Parlour sign facing Graham and Dundas Streets has been a contentious issue for some time, but an organized complaint has come forward.  This includes staff and students from Central Public School as their playground has faced the suggestive sign the past few years.

The city arranged to have parts of the sign covered up by tape by the city's by-law enforcement officers.

In the meantime, there are new owners of the former strip club building.  City CAO Paul Bryan Pullam tells Heart FM they intend on taking the sign down...eventually...they've asked for leeway in time.

N-D-P Leader Howard Hampton says parents of autistic children will be shifting their vote from the Liberals to his party.   

He says they supported the Liberals in the last election, but after broken promises and growing waiting lists for treatment, they won't support them this time.

Better access to autism treatment is among Hampton's six major commitments leading up to the October 10th election.

Hampton will be visiting Oxford County this week.  He's scheduled to make a campaign stop at Tim Horton's in Ingersoll on Thursday afternoon.

A Woodstock man is being held in custody after a weekend of allegedly assaulting a woman.

Monday morning police were called to a residence on Wilson St. to a complaint of a woman that had been assaulted through the course of the weekend.

38-year-old Mohammed Zabian was arrested and charged with assault and breach of probation.

Zabian was picked up by the OCPS in April after a traffic stop turned up magic mushrooms, marijuana and crack cocaine.

Police have the residence on Wilson St. cordoned off as they continue to investigate.

The victim sustained minor injuries.

A 9-year-old boy has been released from hospital following a freightening incident this morning infront of Eastdale Public School.

Emergency crews rushed to Alice St. to reports of a child hit by a vehicle.

The boy was hit by a mini-van as he and dozens of other children were walking to school just before 9 o'clock this morning.

He was taken to Woodstock General and released into the care of his parents just an hour later.

The investigation continues.

Oxford Community Police are looking for a male suspect, following an armed robbery in broad daylight.

Police say around 3:30 Monday afternoon the man, armed with a knife, approached an employee of Woodstock Hydro right outside of the business on Graham Street and demanded money.

The suspect fled the scene on foot and was spotted heading east through the parking lot towards Riddell Street.

Authorities describe the suspect as a 6-foot-tall man in his 20's wearing a black hooded sweater and black baggy jeans. Anyone with information is asked to call police.

Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory has been getting grilled by voters in the last few weeks over his party's proposal to fund religious schools.

Tory is now promising his proposal, if elected, will be put to a free vote.

Ernie Hardeman, the PC Candidate for Oxford County says there was some problems with the policy from the get-go. He says the challenge people were facing with the program had to do with the plan's implementation already being planned out.

Party sources hope Tory's move will take the story off the front page, allowing him to focus on issues like Premier Dalton McGuinty's broken promises and how he will fix the doctor shortage.

The Ontario Liberals are proposing a series of tax breaks aimed at seniors and first-time home buyers.

Seniors who own their own homes, earning less than $35,000 dollars a year will qualify for a 500 dollar property tax credit.  Couples with a joint income of less than $60,000 would also be elidgable.

Also, first time homebuyers can qualify for a rebate of up to $2,000 dollars on their land transfer tax.

Another collar for Timber the K-9 cop.

Late last night, police were tipped off about a camouflaged van selling fresh cut marijuana on Hubbard Road in Blandford-Blenheim township.

Police arrived on scene, arresting a man fimiliar to police.  Timber was on scene and picked up a scent track that led 150 meters into a nearby cornfield.

Two more suspects were found lying face down on the ground.  40-year-old Gerald Schultz and 43-year-old Paula Walsh from Kitchener, along with 38-year-old Michael Dubrick from Plattsville are facing drug charges.

Two local drivers are finding out the hard way.

Tough new laws against street racing came into effect on Sunday and it didn't take long for Oxford OPP to hand out tickets.
Police say the first incident happened early Sunday morning when a 26-year old driver from Guelph clocked in at 156 kilometers an hour on the 401 by Drumbo.
 And it was in that same area that a second driver was nabbed. A 22-year old driver of a BMW was ticketed for traveling at speeds near 160 kilometers and hour.

The vehicles were impounded for seven days and the drivers lost their licenses for a week.

In total 28 drivers were pulled over and ticketed under the new law in the province.

The City of Woodstock wants to know who you think stands out in our community. 

The 5th Annual 2008 Urban Leadership Awards are now open for nominees.  You can help recognize a local leader by submitting a nomination before the deadline of December 7th. Nominations can be submitted for individuals, groups and organizations. Awards will be presented on May 27th in Toronto.

For additional information, visit
www.canurb.com/awards/ula

Oxford County may be looking at shelling out big money to develop nature trails between Woodstock and Beachville.

County council will look at the 1.8 million dollar plan during its 2008 budget deliberations.

However, that money would be spent over the long run.  The 15 year plan would develop plans along rail tracks and the Thames River.

The group that developed the plan says there is general public interest in seeing more trails in the County.

Oxford County public works will be rolling out a lead testing program starting in December.

The order for the program comes from the Ministry of Environment after the London Free Press uncovered high lead levels in older homes.

Oxford County will be testing local homes and businesses twice a year.  Manager of Water Services, Deborah Goudreau says Public Works will have to hire two new employees to conduct the program.

The Grand River Conservation Authority has issued a low-water bulletin this afternoon.

They're asking all residents within their watershed to immediately reduce water consumption by 20 per cent.

That includes those near Whiteman's Creek in Norwich and Blandford-Blenheim townships.

Rainfall in the area has been less than half of normal levels in the past 3 months.

How much wood would Woodstock stock if Woodstock could stock wood?

The Woodstock Woodshow is underway in it's 22nd year.  You'll find the show at the Woodstock Fairgrounds through Sunday.

Organizer Joe Danielle tells Heart FM the show covers the whole wood industry, from raw material to finished products, as well as tools and machinery.  There are over 500 displays on through the weekend.

A London man was killed this morning after being struck by a tractor trailer on the 401 near Ingersoll.

OPP and Emergency crews responded to the Eastbound lanes of the highway between Culloden Line and Highway 19 at 5:30 this morning.

Police say the man had been driving a Black 2005 Chevy Blazer, and had pulled onto the shoulder and exited the vehicle.  They're not sure why, and are appealing for any witnesses who might have spotted the vehicle early this morning.

The man's identity has not yet been released, pending the notification of his family.
 

The body of a missing Stratford man has been recovered in a lake near North Bay.   

OPP confirm they have found the body of 66-year-old Robert Nichol.

The Stratford man was on a boat on Lake Nosbonsing on Saturday and fell overboard.   

An autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow.

A new weekly community newspaper hopes to rival the well-established Oxford Review.

First edition issues of the Woodstock CME are being delivered tonight and tomorrow to 15-thousand Woodstock households.  Peever says any leftover editions will be taken to local shopping centres for distribution.

Each weekly edition of the Woodstock Central Market Exposure will be out each Friday.

Oxford County will try to help Ontario break a Guiness World Record.

The 2007 Ontario World Record Walk will take place next Wendesday, October 3rd at 12:30 pm.

The goal is to break the existing world record for the largest number of people walking one kilometer simultaneously.

Western Australia currently holds the record with over 100-thousand participants.

Oxford County's walk will get underway at Victoria Park on Buller Street.  If you plan on attending, you're asked to arrive no later than 12:15.

Starbank Development Corporation has been to the plate twice now and been rejected both times in their attempt to bring a TD Canada Trust to the City of Woodstock's southend.

Both Woodstock City Council and Oxford County Council have now rejected the proposal, because the regional commercial node doesn't allow the development to include a financial institution.  Councillors fear if they change the rules for this development, it would set a dangerous precedent.

However, the county's planning office supports the initiative, it is likely the dispute will now be brought before Ontario Municipal Board.

A teenager has been charged with carless driving after a wild crash at the CN tracks on Wilson Avenue in Woodstock.

The carload of teens was estimated by police to be travelling in excess of 90 km/h when the Neon failed to negotiate a bend in the road, hit a pole and flipped into a ditch at the side of the road.

Remarkably, no one was seriously hurt.

The 17-year-old driver has been charged in the crash.

The local real estate market has settled down after a sizzling market in 2005 drove up prices in the Woodstock area.

Recent numbers indicate there are a few less sales, a high number of listings and a longer average number of days on the market for homes.

The factors indicate a more balanced market.  President of the Woodstock, Ingersoll and District Real Estate Board, Lori Goldhawk also says the market is a sustainable one with all of the industrial and commercial development in the Woodstock area.

The average price of a home in the Oxford area is up from 170-thousand dollars in 2005, to 190-thousand dollars in 2007.

An industrial accident at TRW Automotive sent one man to hospital with lacerations to his hand. Oxford Community Police say the incident happened around 11 o'clock Tuesday morning while the man was working on a piece of equipment.

The robotic equipment malfunctioned and when the employee attended the problem his arm was pinned for a brief period.

The man was transported to Woodstock General and later released.

General Motors workers in Canada are already being laid off because of the strike against G-M in the U-S.
   

Canadian Autoworkers union president Buzz Hargrove says one of G-M's car plants in Oshawa, Ontario has been shut down after running out of parts.  He says a second car plant will be shut down by the end of the day shift.   

The G-M transmission plant in Windsor, Ontario closed yesterday less than an hour after the U-S strike began.

Things are already quiet at CAMI automotive, as they're on a layoff week.  Spokesperson Susan Nicholson says things look good for them in the short term, and they'll continue to monitor the situation.

The Communities in Bloom competition reached its conclusion and while Ingersoll recieved 5 out of 5 blooms as a national finalist, they did not come out on top.

This year, The town of Quesnel, British Columbia was the winner in Ingersoll's category.

The nearby town of Aylmer took home big honours, winning the 5,000-10,000 population category.

A bus ride to school took a scary turn for group of kids heading to St. Margarete Bourgeoys and Tollgate schools this morning.

One man is in hospital with serious injuries while nine children are suffered from minor bumps and bruises, after two pick-up trucks and a school bus crashed at the corner of Brant and Wellington in Woodstock.

Emergency crews responded to the scene around 8AM and shut both roads down. The male passenger of the truck was immediately transported to Woodstock General with serious injuries.  The second truck driver was uninjuried.

Nine children were eventually taken to hospital as well, but all have been released.  Upon returning to school, the children were met by stress counsellors.

One of the truck drivers has been charged with failing to stop at a stop sign.

Results are in on Voluntary Blackout Day.

Here in Woodstock, citizens were able to reduce peak power consumption by 2 per cent on August 13th.

That was only good for 5th place, as Owen Sound, Waterloo, Guelph and Hamilton were able to save more.

With Guelph finishing ahead of Woodstock, Mayor Michael Harding loses his bet with Guelph's Mayor Karen Farbridge.  Harding must now send her a brick of aged Bright Cheese and a Woodstock Wildcats Jersey.

In the category of total energy savings, Woodstock only reduced consumption that day by 0.4 per cent.  Hamilton led in that category as well, with a 2.2 per cent reduction.

A steady stream of voters have been making their way to vote at Woodstock's advance polling station at Huron and Dundas.

The first advance polling stations opened on Saturday across Ontario.  Tomorrow, several other Oxford County stations will open in Ingersoll, Tillsonburg, Norwich, Bright, Lakeside and Tavistock.  Those branches will be open from Noon till 8PM.  Woodstock's will remain open from 9AM till 9PM.

Returning Officer in Oxford County, Beth Martin says all you need to vote early is identification.

Money Mart is in hot water and you could cash in.
A Civil Class Action lawsuit has been filed by a lawfirm in Windsor and involves somewhere around 200-thousand Ontario residents. Harvey Strosberg of Sutts Strosberg Attorney's says customers who received a fast cash advance between August 19th of 1997 and September 9th could be eligibale to get money back. Strosberg says the major issue centres around a check cashing fee.Harvey says that government guidelines allow for the maximum interest charge to be no more than 60 per cent, but says with these hidden fees added in--the interest is really between 300-100 per cent. The trial is expected to begin before the end of the year.

The largest celebration and recruitment drive of the year for Woodstock's Big Brothers Big Sisters is happening today.

The co-president of the Woodstock Big Brothers Association Chris Chapman says while the events a lot of fun, it'll help to bring awareness to the organization.

And while you're at the Big Bro Car Show, make sure to bring your kids by the Masonic-Chip display.

MCO Program Director Ray Dobbs says parents can get a free identification CD made for their kids.   Parents are asked to store them in a safe place.  And should the child ever go missing, police would have access to an instantaneous profile of your child.

Again, the service is free thanks to the Ontario Masons. Both the Masonic-Chip display and the Big Bro Car Show are happening at the Canadian Tire Parking Lot on Norwich Ave in Woodstock.

Men in Woodstock will stand tall on the issue of violence this weekend.

The first annual Walk A Mile In Her Shoes gets underway Saturday in Southside Park. Local Spokesperson Shane Hanna tells Heart FM News men will strutt their stuff and walk 1-mile in womens high heels in order to raise awareness to violence and sexual assault against women.

The Walk A Mile in Her Shoes goes from 10am until 1pm. The walk, which originally started in California in 2001, benefits the work of the sexual assault Counseling Program at Women's emergency centres.

The Fall Fair season continues this weekend with the annual Drumbo Fair.

You can expect a number of things to do outside Drumbo's Agricultural Hall, with a few rides for the kids and a number of displays to see. You can also check out the Horse Show.

This is the 157th edition of the town's fair.

A new bank doesn't appear to be heading to the City's southend.

Woodstock City Council has turned down a proposal by Starbank Development Corporation to include a 55-hundred square foot bank in their new development on Norwich Avenue.

Councillors didn't feel there was enough market analysis available to change the Regional Commerical Node to allow a financial institution on the property.

However, this decision isn't the end of the proposal.  Starbank will be able to get a bank in their development if they are able to convince Oxford County Council to appove the Official Plan Amendment, or they can appeal the decision to the OMB.

The daily workings of Woodstock City Council will now be under the microscope of the City's new Integrity Commissioner.

This comes after Councillors voted in favour last night, of adopting a new Code of Conduct.  The document will oversee the actions of Councillors, as well as the City's Boards and Committees.

Mayor Michael Harding says anyone breaking the code, will face ramifications, like a pay deduction.

With OPP Costing coming in 400-thousand dollars less than OCPS Service, Blandford-Blenheim township has voted to terminate the OCPS agreement.

The intention of Mayor Ken Howling and company is to wash the township's hands of the OCPS on December 31st.

However, Police Services Board Chair Mary Ann Silverthorne says it's not that easy.  Blandford-Blenheim would have to provide at least a year's notice, and compares the process to a divorce.

Silverthorne adds the OCPS partners are still willing to re-open the agreement to change the costing formula.

OPP Costing for Blandford-Blenheim was quoted in the 800 to 900-thousand dollar range, when they currently pay 1.38-million to the OCPS.

But the township would still have to pay for police offices and all new equipment.

Local Trustees won't be deciding whether your teen daughter should get a HPV vaccine, instead you will.

Letters have been sent to parents by the London District Catholic School Board asking whether or not you support the vaccine being administered.

It's designed to help prevent some kinds of cervical cancer but critics say it promotes promiscuity. Chair of the London District Catholic School Board Paul Whitehead tells Heart FM News he's not surprised that the issue quickly turned controversial.

Toronto Catholic District School Board trustees voted nine-to-three to allow the H-P-V vaccination program yesterday in its 168 elementary schools. The Halton Catholic board narrowly approved the vaccine on Tuesday.

11-thousand surveys on drug use have gone out to Oxford County schools this week.

Students from grades 4 though 12 will be asked about drug use and their preceptions about drugs.

The surveys will be filled out in all Thames Valley schools and returned by mid-October.

Chair of the Oxford County Drug Task Force, Jason Smith, says they're still waiting for a response from the Catholic Board.

In addition, an adult drug survey will be coming out this year to find out how extensive drug use is in Oxford County.

The infomation will be used so the task force can find gaps in the current support systems, and apply for funding to try and fix those gaps in local service.

The West Nile virus is still a threat.

A third crow has tested positive for West Nile this week.  The crow was found in Woodstock on Monday.

As a result, the Oxford County Board of Health is sending out another reminder to local residents to use mosquito repellent when venturing into natural areas.

They're also asking you to get rid of any standing water on your property.