CFN – The bigger you are the harder it is to keep the numbers rolling, but that’s exactly what has happened as CFN has jumped up over 5% from the First Quarter of 2014 to FQ 2015!

And we couldn’t have done it with all of our viewers!   A special thanks to each and every one of you.

During our first quarter of 2015 visitors checked out 3.46 pages per session for a duration of a whopping 1:38 according to our Google Analyticator with only 44.82% being new sessions.

Our Top Cities for 1Q 2015

1) Cornwall 44.5%

2) Ottawa

3) Montreal

4) Toronto

5) Kingston

6) Brockville

7) Laval QC

8.) Baltimore MD

9) Gatineau QC

10) Morrisburg

11) Edmonton AB

12) Mississauga

13) Calgary AB

14) Clarence Rockland

15) Belleville

16) Waterloo

17) Vancouver BC

18) Barrie

19) Windsor

20) New York NY

21) London

22) Hamilton

23) Peterborough

24) Alexandria

25) Guelph

26) Prescott

27) Winnipeg MB

28) Brampton

29) Sudbury

30) Detroit MI

32) Oshawa

33) Hawkesbury

34) Fredericton NB

35) Dorval QC

34.22% of our traffic comes from mobile devices

15.65 came from tablets

Alexa Rankings

Alexa is a ranking system using algorithms to come up with a rating based on those with the Alexa toolbar.   While not perfect, it gives an idea of comparative numbers unless someone is fudging in a small market like one particular outlet seems to be doing.

Cornwall Area Alexa Canadian Rankings

1) www.Cornwallfreenews.com  3,097 91.1% Cdn traffic 7.00  daily page views per visitor 9:06 daily time on site.

2) A FUDGE SITE

3) www.Standard-freeholder.com  5,088 3.10 daily page views per visitor 3:39 daily time on site.

4) www.Cornwallseawaynews.com 8,950 1.60 daily page views per visitor 1:56 daily time on site.

5) www.Cornwallnewswatch.com 9,608 1.60 daily page views per visitor 2:13 daily time on site.

Brockville

www.recorder.ca 4,606 2.10 daily page views per visitor 3:39 daily time on site.

The Insane Banner Deal!

CFN is about to celebrate its new look by offering banners for only $99+HST!

This offer will be available for the month of May 2015 only and only if you email jamie@cornwallfreenews.com

You can book for as many months as you wish during the sale.

Space is based on availability and sale extends to every size on the site!

300×700 pixels?  Yup!

300×250?  Yup!

728×90?  Yup!

125×125? Yup!

Animated gifs of up to three cards?  No extra charge!

This will be a one time sale and space really is limited for certain sizes and locations.

(client to provide artwork for this sale)

Help us celebrate the new CFN!

CFN is also looking for two experienced media sales reps.  Email your CV to info@cornwallfreenews.com and find out how you can earn what you truly deserve while having a lot of fun and freedom!

CFN – In a not so surprising move the Standard Freeholder today announced that it would no longer allow comments for local stories.

Comments are a huge topic for media.  On the positive they can truly move a story forward and add valuable debate and information.  On the negative they can tend to turn into online pissing matches, many times over shadowed by anonymous trolls.

CFN itself has considered dropping online comments, but has instead changed to a system of more stringent moderation and asking viewers to post their first and last names as well as an email that can return email.

It’s not perfect and we chose to “Grand Father” a select group of long time commentators who have registered their id’s with us.

Until there is a true system that can register who really is typing behind the keyboard any comment system will be difficult, but we feel that the community’s voice, especially on local issues it critical to having any form of democracy practiced in a community.

It’s part of being a local independent instead of being a cog in a much larger omnipotent massive media conglomeration.

So Cornwall and Canada you still will get to post on CFN.    You don’t get to post anonymously and we still ask you to stay on topic and try to limit your comment to one paragraph.

Personally I find not allowing comments a form of censorship.   As someone that has moderated CFN for six years there are days I would find no comments very attractive.   Ultimately the public will decide if they stay by the feedback we get and the quality of comments we see come in.

We also would like to ask you to consider becoming a subscriber because the man hours to moderate comments on over 20 million page views per year can be massive.   Currently there are 55,542 approved comments on CFN.

So to Furtz, and Hugger, Jules, and our many regulars as well as many of you who will be Jonesing for a place to vent please consider supporting the local paper that supports you in so many ways.

Cheers and thanks,

Jamie Gilcig – Editor – CFN

THREATS, ASSAULT WITH A WEAPON, POSSESSION OF A WEAPON FOR A DANGEROUS PURPOSE, BREACH

Cornwall, ON- Matthew Sawyer, 28 of Cornwall was arrested on April 24^th, 2015 and charged with two counts of assault with a weapon, two counts of weapons dangerous, three counts of threats to life and breach of probation for failing to keep the peace. It is alleged on April 15^th, 2015 the man attended the police station located at 330 Montreal Road and threatened the lives of two police officers all the while brandishing a knife. The male then left the station stating he was going to go kill a 47-year-old woman known to him. Police followed the man who refused to put the knife down at which point the Tazer was deployed to gain control of the man. Following an investigation the man was arrested and charged accordingly on April 24^th, 2015 and remained in custody for a bail hearing.

ASSAULT, THREATS, MISCHIEF

Cornwall, ON – A 32-year-old Cornwall man was arrested on April 24^th, 2015 and charged with assault, threats to life and mischief. It is alleged that during an argument with his 33-year-old common law wife on April 24^th, 2015 the man pushed her, threatened her and damaged an interior door. Police were contacted and located the man a short distance away. He was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. His name was not released as it might identify the victim in the matter.

ASSAULT, THREATS

Cornwall, ON – A 42-year-old Cornwall man was arrested on April 24^th, 2015 and charged with assault and threats to life. It is alleged that on April 24^th, 2015 while in the area of Second Street and Glengarry Boulevard the man threatened and pushed a 39-year-old man who was with his ex-girlfriend. Police were contacted and located the man at his residence. He was taken into custody, charged accordingly and released to appear in court at a later date. His name was not released as it might identify the victim in the matter.

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

Cornwall, ON – A 24-year-old Cornwall man was arrested on April 24^th, 2015 and charged with aggravated assault. It is alleged during an argument on April 24^th, 2015 with his 60-year-old step-father the man struck his step-father in the head causing him to seek medical attention. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. During their investigation the man was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. His name was not released as it would identify the victim in the matter.

THEFT UNDER $5000, BREACH

Cornwall, ON – Justin Rainey, 26 of Cornwall was arrested on April 25^th, 2015 and charged with theft under $5000 and breach of probation and undertaking for failing to keep the peace. It is alleged that on April 25^th, 2015 the man attended a Ninth Street store and selected two SD cards making no attempt to pay for the items as he left the store. The man was stopped by the Loss Prevention Officer and police were contacted. The man was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing.

THEFT UNDER $5000

Cornwall, ON – Terisa Ditchburn, 19 of Cornwall was arrested on April 26th, 2015 and charged with theft under $5000. It is alleged that on March 11th, 2015 the woman attended a Second Street East store and removed a bottle of alcohol making no attempt to pay for the item as she left the store. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. On April 26^th, 2015 the woman was spotted by a member of the Cornwall Community Police Service in the area of McLean Street. She was taken into custody, charged accordingly and released to appear in court on May 28^th, 2015.

WARRANT

Cornwall, ON – Chase Benedict, 21 of no fixed address was arrested on April 26^th, 2015 on the strength of a warrant. It is alleged that the man failed to attend court on February 20^th, 2015 and a warrant was issued for his arrest. On April 26^th, 2015 the man was located at a Lourdes Avenue Address by a member of the Cornwall Community Police service and taken into custody on the strength of the warrant. He was held for a bail hearing.

OPP

OPP INVESTIGATE SUSPICIOUS MALE 
(EMBRUN, ON) –The Russell County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating after an officer stopped a vehicle on Ste. Marie Road in Embrun, when the male passenger fled the scene on foot towards a nearby bush area.  The police are investigating the possibility of a stolen vehicle.

At approximately 7:00 am, Russell County OPP Constable Turgeon observed a suspicious vehicle traveling southbound on Ste. Marie Road.  The officer attempted a traffic stop when the vehicle pulled into a laneway on Ste. Marie Road and the male passenger fled the scene on foot.  The female driver was arrest for possession of property obtained by crime.

The OPP is still searching for the male suspect.  He is described as a white male, 5’7, wearing a black ball cap with red flames, a black Harley Davidson t-shirt and black track pants with white stripes along the sides.

DOMESTIC INVESTIGATION

(South Dundas) – On April 27, 2015 at approximately 7:38pm, Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry (SD&G) Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers responded to a report of a domestic situation at a residence on County Road 4, South Dundas Township. Investigation indicated that an altercation between an adult male and his girlfriend resulted in the female being assaulted. Further information revealed past assault incidents occurring in the month of April. The accused was also in contravention of conditions imposed from a previous incident.

A 27-year-old male from North Dundas Township was arrested and is charged with;

– Assault – Spousal (3 counts)
– Fail to Comply with a Probation Order (3 counts)

He was held in custody pending an appearance (bail) at the Ontario Court of Justice in Cornwall today (28Apr15). The name of the accused is being withheld in order to protect the identity of the victim.
BREAK-INS

(North Glengarry) – On April 27, 2015, SD&G OPP received separate reports of break-ins at residences on County Road 43 and Campbell Drive, North Glengarry Township. Both incidents occurred during the day of April 27, 2015. A quantity of cash and jewelry were stolen.

Investigations continue.

Ontario Provincial Police News Portal [HAWKESBURY] This Week in Policing 2015-04-27

CFN – As a service to Standard Freeholder readers who cannot post comments on local stories we at CFN thought we’d allot some space for you to discuss their top local stories of the day.

Here are the links:

Sponsoring a Bike-a-Thon rider led to organizing a concert for the Cornwall Children’s Treatment Centre

Cornwall Electric freezes rates

Note to readers on comments on Standard-Freeholder articles

Those were the local news stories as of 6:48 PM EST as well as the police blotter, but as we essentially publish the same info from the CCPS we elected to not publish that.

Please read our clear conditions below to comment.

CFN – Local Media Supporting Local People Since 2009!

CORNWALL Ontario – One might call it a clear example of a disconnect with the voters of Ontario.   Premier Kathleen Wynne is making a press appearance at the Cornwall Ontario Chamber of Commerce today.

Oddly enough this media outlet has not been given an invitation.   We contacted Chamber President Denis Carr who said it was the Premier’s office that is running media for the event.

Emails to Premier Wynne’s team have been unanswered as of 9:32 AM.

What do you think dear CFN viewers?   Should a Premier be snubbing the largest media outlet in a city that she visits?    You can post your comments below.

UPDATED 10:16 AM

CFN has confirmed that at least one other media outlet was not invited to the event.

UPDATED 11:48 AM

A 3rd Cornwall media outlet confirms that they too were not invited.

CFN – As a service to Standard Freeholder readers who cannot post comments on local stories we at CFN thought we’d allot some space for you to discuss their top local stories of the day.

Here are the links:

Cornwall microbrewery a dream come true

Cornwall and Akwesasne students pushed to challenge stereotypes in Spirit Horse play

Cornwall senior hoping the Supreme Court will throttle driving tests

Rave reviews for local team behind Fred Page Cup

Those were the local news stories as of 6:09 PM EST.

Please read our clear conditions below to comment.

CFN – Local Media Supporting Local People Since 2009!

CFN – Cornwall’s most read Newspaper is looking for a Summer Journalism student.    This is a huge opportunity for a Student or recent grad to cover a lot of material this Summer!

Email your CV and writing sample to Jamie@cornwallfreenews.com

If you want to test your mettle and prove yourself this is your chance to build your portfolio and be seen my our audience of over 50,000 unique visitors per month!

There is a seasonal honourarim for this position.

CFN – As a service to Standard Freeholder readers who cannot post comments on local stories we at CFN thought we’d allot some space for you to discuss their top local stories of the day.

Here are the links:

An unnerving array of notice when it comes to council agendas in Cornwall and SDG

Wilson, Horvath vie for chamber support in Cornwall

Privatizing Hydro too risky, Wilson, Horvath tell Chamber conference in Cornwall

William Wise still awaiting word on payback

Early access to council agendas improves civic involvement — Cornwall council members get calls after agendas posted

Co-operation vital: Wynne tells chambers during Cornwall visit

Those were the local news stories as of 9:03 PM EST as well as the police blotter, but as we essentially publish the same info from the CCPS we elected to not publish that.

Please read our clear conditions below to comment.

CFN – Local Media Supporting Local People Since 2009!

BREAK AND ENTER, THEFT

Cornwall, ON – A 37-year-old Cornwall man was arrested on May 1^st, 2015 and charged with break and enter and theft under $5000. It is alleged that on April 30^th, 2015 the man entered his ex-girlfriend’s house and removed property that did not belong to him. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. On May 1^st, 2015 during their investigation the man was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. His name was not released as it would identify the victim in the matter.

BREACH

Cornwall, ON – Sylvain Legault, 52 of Cornwall was arrested on May 2^nd, 2015 and charged with breaching his undertaking for communicating with someone he has conditions not to communicate with and for failing to keep the peace. It is alleged that on May 2^nd, 2015 the man communicated with a 28-year-old woman known to him despite being on conditions not to communicate with her. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. During their investigation the man was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing.

WARRANT

Cornwall, ON – Richard Sawatis was arrested on May 3^rd, 2015 on the strength of a warrant. It is alleged that in August, 2014 the man identified himself as someone else to police during an investigation and a warrant was issued for his arrest. On May 3^rd, 2015 the man was spotted walking on Second Street by a member of the Cornwall Community Police Service. He was taken into custody on the strength of the warrant and released to appear in court on June 16^th, 2015.

THREATS, BREACH

Cornwall, ON – A 51-year-old Cornwall man was arrested on May 3^rd, 2015 and charged with threats to life and breach of probation and undertaking for being in the company of someone he has conditions not to associate with if he’s been drinking. It is alleged that during an argument on May 3^rd, 2015 the man threatened to kill an 18-year-old woman known to him and her son. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. During their investigation the man was also found to be breaching his conditions for being in the company of someone he has conditions not to associate with if he’s been drinking. He was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. His name was not released as it would identify the victims in the matter.

ASSAULT WITH A WEAPON, THREATS

Cornwall, ON – A 13-year-old Cornwall youth was arrested on May 3^rd, 2015 and charged with assault with a weapon and threats to life. It is alleged that on May 3^rd, 2015 the youth threatened to stab two youths while brandishing a knife. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. During their investigation the youth was taken into custody, charged accordingly and released to appear in court at a later date. His name was not released as per provision of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

THEFT UNDER $5000

Cornwall, ON – Robert Patenaude, 51of Cornwall was arrested on May 3^rd, 2015 and charged with theft under $5000. It is alleged that on May 3^rd, 2015 the man attended a Ninth Street store and removed merchandise making no attempt to pay for it as he left the store. He was stopped by the Loss Prevention Officer and police were contacted. The man was taken into custody, charged accordingly and released to appear in court at a later date.

WARRANT

Cornwall, ON – Kayle Gumbly, 25 of Alexandria was arrested on April 30^th, 2015 on the strength of a warrant. It is alleged that on October 16^th, 2013 the man failed to attend court for breach charges and a warrant was issued for his arrest. On April 30^th, 2015 a member of the Cornwall Community Police Service attended the Cornwall Courthouse to execute the warrant as the man was in custody on an unrelated matter. He remained in custody for a bail hearing.

BREACH

Cornwall, ON – A 43-year-old woman and a 51-year-old man both of Cornwall were arrested on April 30^th, 2015 and charged with breaching their probation orders for being in each other’s company while under the influence of alcohol. On April 30^th, 2015 Cornwall Police were contacted to investigate a disturbance at a Larin Street address and on arrival found the occupants to be breaching their conditions. They were taken into custody, charged accordingly and released to appear in court at a later date. Their names were not released as the conditions stem from a domestic incident.

WARRANT

Cornwall, ON – Angel Dore, 37 of Cornwall was arrested on April 29^th, 2015 on the strength of a warrant. It is alleged that the woman failed to attend court on April 9^th, 2015 and a warrant was issued for her arrest. On April 29^th, 2015 the woman attended police headquarters to deal with the matter. She was taken into custody on the strength of the warrant and held for a bail hearing.

OPP

Ontario Provincial Police News Portal [STORMONT DUNDAS and GLENGARRY] IMPAIRED DRIVERS CHARGED/DRUGS SEIZED/DOMESTIC INVESTIGATION/THEFT OF PICK-UP TRUCK/EXCESSIVE SPEEDS 2015-05-04

(RUSSELL COUNTY, ON) In the week of April 27, 2015 to May 4, 2015, Russell County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to 211 occurrences. Among those occurrences OPP responded to 11 collisions, 5 thefts, 5 domestics and 2 impaired drivers.

As a result of those occurrences, 41 people were charged with various offences.

Impaired

(Embrun, ON)  On April 28, 2015 OPP Constables responded to a traffic complaint on Notre-Dame Street in Embrun. The officers later located the vehicle on St-Marie Road. They spoke to the female driver and noticed a smell of alcohol. The female supplied a breath sample into the Roadside Screening Device. The result was an “f” for fail. She was transported to the OPP detachment were she supplied more breath samples into the Intoxilyzer.  The results exceeded the legal limit.

Lisa M.L. MAYS, 38 years old from Embrun, will have to appear in L’Orignal court on May 20, 2015 to answer to the following charge:

CC 253(1)(a) Care or Control While Impaired (Alcohol)

CC 253(1)(b) Care or Control Over 80 mgs.

Impaired

(Casselman, ON)  On April 30, 2015 OPP Constables responded to traffic hazard complaint on Highway 417 near Casselman. At that location some motorists reported that a vehicle was stopped on the roadway putting other drivers at risk. The officers attended the location a located the vehicle on the road. They approached the vehicle to find a male sleeping at the wheel. When speaking to the male they noticed a strong smell of alcohol. The driver was arrested and transported to the OPP detachment were he supplied some breath samples. The results exceeded the legal limit permitted.

Michel. BOUASRIA, 60 years old from Verdun, Quebec will have to appear in L’Orignal court on May 20, 2015 to answer to the following charges:

CC 253(1)(a) Driving While Ability Impaired- motor vehicle (Alcohol)

CC 249(1)(a) Dangerous Operation of Motor Vehicle

CC 253(1)(b) Driving with More than 80 mgs. of Alcohol in Blood

Breach of Conditions

(Bourget, ON)  On April 30, 2015 OPP Constables responded to a landlord and tenant dispute on Champlain Street in Bourget. At that location an intoxicated male complained of losing his apartment. The officers checked that male on their police computer and realized that the intoxicated male was breaching a release condition.

Richard, J. MASSIA, 25 years old from Bourget, will have to appear in L’Orignal court on April 29, 2015 to answer to the following charge:

CC 145(5.1) Fail to Comply with Conditions of Undertaking Given by Officer in Charge

He was also issued a provincial offence notice for the following offence:

LLA 31(4) Being intoxicated in public place

Breach of Conditions

(Rockland, ON)   On May 2, 2015 OPP Constable Stephane Roy stopped a vehicle on County Road 17 at Rollin Road for speeding. The officer checked the driver on the police computer and discovered that the male driver was breaching a non-communication condition with the vehicle passenger.

A 30 year old male, From Alfred-Plantagenet will have to appear in L’Orignal court on May 27, 2015 to answer to the following charge:

CC 733.1(1) Fail to Comply with Probation Order

He was also issued a provincial offence notice for Speeding.

Mischief

(Limoges, ON)  On May 3, 2015 OPP Constables responded to a domestic related incident on Mabel Street in Limoges. At that location a female reported that her partner had forced his way into the house even after being told he was not welcomed. The door was damaged and would not work properly.

A 54 year old male, from Limoges will have to appear in L’Orignal court on May 20, 2015 to answer to the following offence:

CC 430(4) Mischief – Domestic

MAN CHARGED FOR UTTERING THREATS

(South Dundas) – On May 1, 2015 at approximately 11:17am, Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry (SD&G) Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers responded to a report of threat incidents at business locations in the Villages of Iroquois and Morrisburg, South Dundas Township. Investigation indicated that an adult male had uttered threats towards employees.

Larry AUMELL (64) of South Stormont Township was arrested and is charged with;

– Utter Threats – Cause Death or Bodily Harm (2 counts)

He was held in custody pending an appearance (bail) at the Ontario Court of Justice in Cornwall.

YOUTH BREACHES CONDITION

(North Glengarry) – On April 30, 2015 at approximately 10:38pm, Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry (SD&G) Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers responded to a report of a male youth in breach of a condition (curfew) imposed from a previous incident. Upon arrest, he became aggressive with officers.

The 13-year-old male is charged with;

– Fail to Comply with a Condition of an Undertaking
– Resist Peace Officer

He was held in custody pending a court appearance (bail) at the Ontario Court of Justice in Cornwall today (01May15). His name is being withheld as per guidelines of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA).

WARRANT EXECUTED

(South Glengarry) – On April 30, 2015 members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) – Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) – Project Paradigm and members of the OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT) executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant at a residence in South Glengarry Township. This resulted in the seizure of a quantity of suspected marihuana bud, cannabis resin, MDMA (amphetamine derivative), cocaine and assorted production equipment used to make cannabis resin. Officers also seized a collapsible baton and mace.

Matthew BEEHLER (22), of South Glengarry Township was arrested and is charged with;

– Possession of a Controlled Substance for the purpose of Trafficking (3 counts)

– Production of a Controlled Substance

–  Possession of a Controlled Substance

– Unauthorized Possession of a Weapons (2 counts)

He was released and scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice of Ontario in Cornwall on June 11, 2015.

Ontario Provincial Police News Portal [LANARK COUNTY] PROPERTY DAMAGE IN ALMONTE 2015-04-30

CORNWALL Ontario – Lt-Col. Steven Young of the SD&G Highlanders, known as the Glens, will tell everyone who will listen that the unit is short staffed.  Since taking over the unit numbers have drifted to about half strength.

Could one of the reasons why the unit have such a low amount of soldiers be the fact that former Liberal MPP Jim Brownell is still the Honourary Colonel with the unit refusing to address Mr. Brownell’s participation in a facebook hate group that desecrated the Poppy?

We wrote about the cover up back in November 2014. ( LINK )   Mr. Brownell as of 6:31 AM  is still a member of this group, and an active one at that.

With Canada busy in different areas of the globe that means putting one’s life in harms way as a soldier in our armed forces.  That’s a noble act at any level and our soldiers deserve our respect and care when they are hurt.

Having an honourary Colonel supporting a mocking of what the poppy represents surely is not something that will attract our young people to sign up for duty.

The bigger question Mr. Young should be answering is why were Mr. Brownell’s actions tolerated and not condemned?  Why is he still representing the unit?

This writer predicts numbers will stay down until Mr. Brownell is removed from the unit.

What do you think Canada?   Should someone that didn’t defend the Poppy while wearing his uniform in his profile picture in such a group be given a free pass?  You can post your comments below.

CFN – An Ogdensburg woman about to graduate with a law enforcement degree challenged US Border Patrol officers after a random pull over.

After being belligerent and  challenging  the Federal agents after being pulled to wait for a K9 Unit for inspection she was subdued and tasered.   The event was captured by her on video.  LINK.

The 21 year old was screaming during the ordeal in spite of the agent’s calm and direct commands.

She was reported to have been taken to the Ogdensburg Customs location but has yet to be charged.

She reported various minor abrasions from her scuffle.

CFN has asked Ms Cook for an interview with no reply as of press time.

“U.S. Customs and Border Protection is investigating a report from the U.S. Border Patrol’s Swanton Sector about an altercation between an individual and two Border Patrol agents at a checkpoint on Thursday, May 7. The altercation followed a brief verbal exchange between the individual and the two agents regarding their intent to inspect the vehicle.”

Shelbe Benson-Fuller of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Public Affairs responded above.

We will update this story as more information becomes available.  You can reach CFN at info@cornwallfreenews.com

The Cornwall Port of entry is experiencing a disruption Service

This is the port of entry Currently experiencing a Service disruption and border users May encounter delays. Until further Top Form, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) encouraged you to Consider The Following alternate ports of entry to cross the border:

Regular travelers:

Prescott

commercial traffic:

Prescott

Please Note That not all ports of entry can Accommodate shopping traffic.

The CBSA Recognizes border disruptions affect Both travelers and industry and we are working to normal border operations at the port of entry restore this as Quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience, while we get operations back on track.

Follow the border wait times for this Port of entry on Twitter: CBSA CWL gold on the CBSA’s website .

Service interruption at the entry point of Cornwall

A service interruption affects now this entry point and travelers could experience delays. Until further notice, the Agency Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) invites you to consider the following alternative entry points to cross the border:

travelers:

Prescott

Business Sector

Prescott

Please note that some entry points do not serve the commercial sector.

The CBSA recognizes that border disruptions affect not only travelers but also the industry. We endeavor to restore as quickly as normal border operations at the entry point. Thank you for your patience while we work to resolve the situation.

UPDATE 1:21 PM

The bridge may be closed until as long as MONDAY MAY 11th

PUBLIC MISCHIEF

Cornwall, ON – Travis Moore, 22 and Justin Julien, 19 both of Cornwall were arrested and charged with public mischief. It is alleged that on April 14^th, 2015 police were contacted to investigate break and enter at a Gulf Street address. During their investigation it was learned that the break and enter was staged and as a result both men were taken into custody, charged accordingly and released to appear in court at a later date.

ASSAULT, BREACH

Cornwall, ON – A 39-year-old Cornwall man was arrested on May 7^th, 2015 and charged with three counts of assault and three counts of breach of recognizance for communicating with someone he has conditions not to communicate with, consuming alcohol and for being out of his residence. It is alleged that between May 5^th and May 7^th, 2015 the man assaulted his 35-year-old girlfriend on three separate occasions and police were contacted to investigate. During their investigation the man was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. His name was not released as it would identify the victim in the matter.

SEXUAL ASSAULT

Cornwall, ON – Anthony Smythe, 60 of Cornwall was arrested on May 7^th, 2015 and charged with sexual assault. It is alleged that on April 5^th, 2015 the man sexually assaulted a 49-year-old woman that was known to him and police were contacted to investigate. On May 7^th, 2015 the man was spotted by a member of the Cornwall Community Police Service walking on Burton Street. He was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing.

THEFT UNDER

Cornwall, ON – Shamus Berrigan, 21 of Morrisburg was arrested on May 7^th, 2015 and charged with theft under $5000. It is alleged that on May 7^th, 2015 the man attended a Ninth Street store and selected merchandise making no attempt to pay for it as he left the store. He was stopped by the Loss Prevention Officer and police were contacted. The man was taken into custody, charged accordingly and released to appear in court on June 2^nd, 2015.

ASSAULT, THREATS, MISCHIEF, BREACH

Cornwall, ON – A 24-year-old Cornwall man was arrested on May 5^th, 2015 and charged with mischief, threats, assault and breach of probation for failing to keep the peace. It is alleged that during an argument with his 22-year-old common-law wife on May 5^th, 2015 the man damaged some interior doors, slashed her car tires and threatened to harm her. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. During their investigation it was learned that the man also assaulted his 3-year-old son. He was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. His name was not released as it might identify the victims in the matter.

DANGEROUS DRIVING, BREACH

Cornwall, ON – Ryan Fortier, 21 of Cornwall was arrested on May 5^th, 2015 and charged with dangerous driving and breach of probation for failing to keep the peace. It is alleged that on May 5^th, 2015 the man was spotted driving a motor vehicle in a dangerous manner on Fifth Street and Adolphus Street by a member of the Cornwall Community Police Service. He was taken into custody during a traffic stop, charged accordingly and later released to appear in court onJune2nd, 2015.

OPP

Ontario Provincial Police News Portal [LANARK COUNTY] TWO CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF STOLEN PROPERTY 2015-05-07

Joint Community Safety Initiative results in 11 persons found to be working without valid work permits

CFN —The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Human Trafficking Unit, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Ottawa Bylaw Services completed a three-day Joint Community Safety Initiative focused on commercial massage parlours and body rub facilities from April 27 to 29, 2015.

Twenty locations were inspected in the City of Ottawa resulting in 11 Bylaw charges for improper licensing.

Eleven women were detained by the CBSA for immigration-related matters and all appeared for admissibility and detention hearings last week. The detentions were maintained for eleven individuals and all were issued removal orders. All eleven were found to be working without being in possession of a valid work permit under section 41 a), 30(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).

The CBSA investigation is ongoing and additional charges may follow.

The Ottawa Police Human Trafficking Unit has opened a number of investigations, as a result of this initiative. Our goal continues to be the detection of possible cases of exploitation.

CORNWALL Ontario – There are some excited and joyous about Wal-Mart taking over the old Target warehouse facility.  There’s talk of a few hundred more jobs.

More jobs of course is never a bad thing, but sadly to this writer this is not good news.

Competition for positions is good for the residents of a community like Cornwall.

When Target came to town Benson’s was hit hard as people fled to better paying jobs.  That’s what happens when the new guy shows up.  Wal-Mart/SCM was hit too.

For generations Cornwall was a closed shop.  Factory owners didn’t want new businesses setting up as they wanted to keep their work force humble and paid as little as possible.

Wal-Mart didn’t get to be one of the biggest companies on the planet by accident.   By purchasing this facility they not only pick up a fairly new facility for pennies on the dollar, they also close it off from a competitor picking it up, such as the Amazon.com rumors that were rampant for awhile.    That means they keep their workforce humble and it makes it harder for another distribution centre to move in without having to build from scratch.

With the prospect of Loblaws coming to Cornwall growing dimmer by the day sadly this Wal-Mart expansion is not good news.  It will help a few hundred with some employment, but it will close the doors for easy turn key access to a competitive and different employer, or unionized one.

That’s never a good thing.

The Eleven Points facility is now off the market and one less chip to attract new companies to our city.   Wal-Mart is closer to having a closed shop in Cornwall.   And that means a challenge for more employees in this city to earn a living wage which is what we need to up our local economy that is struggling, especially in the Downtown/Le Village core.

This writer also wonders about any possible back door incentives given to the giant such as the corporate welfare given to Smart Centre’s to build their new shop that is messing up the traffic on Cumberland ( we need a new stop sign on 4th BTW Norm and Council).

What do you think Cornwall?  You can post your comment below.

CORNWALL Ontario – So the question today is why won’t the Cornwall Community Police proceed with my complaint against Michael Bedard?

Mr. Bedard made clearly false claims in February 2014 that I’d made threatening phone calls to him which resulted in my eventually being charged by police.

The claim was that I made phone calls from my old phone number at certain times and for certain duration with Mr. Bedard claiming that I spoke to him uttering threats.

Bell telephone production orders showed that I never made those phone calls.

I was charged, finger printed, smeared in the police blotter, and then two crowns refused to drop the charges or investigate what really happened after the production order was issued.  Essentially I went through fourteen months that no  innocent person should go through.

In 2015 can people really make false claims with no punishment?    When Traci Trottier tried something similar not once, but twice, making false claims against me CCPS officers asked for me to not press a charge.  This was not the case.  In those instances I wasn’t arrested and smeared as I was in this instance.

After having my charges dropped I called the CCPS and spoke with a dispatcher who actually wanted the original arresting officer to contact me!   When I said that was not really practical in this situation she said she’d have to speak to someone.  Days later I called again and spoke with dispatch.  Nada.  And it’s an easy charge(s) to lay as it’s all in the police report and disclosure.  The evidence is all there.

Last week I spoke with one Diane Fortin who eventually gave me the name of an officer that was supposed to contact me.  That officer never did.

The day that Michael Bedard contacted CCPS I was phoned by Cst Casey MacGregor within hours.   That means that the complaint was investigated and processed almost immediately.

We don’t live in a perfect world, but justice is supposed to be blind and applied evenly.   In this instance Mr. Bedard’s charge if laid would not match what I experienced, but my complaint should be processed and he should be charged.

After all, anyone that would make a claim that someone spent 17 seconds on a call to say two words in the first place should have been questioned on the spot by police as that donkey simply doesn’t fly, but for the CCPS and two crowns it was worthy of publishing in the police blotter and arresting someone.

It’s time Chief Parkinson for the CCPS to do the right thing and fully investigate and hold those accountable for this debacle of injustice.  This should never happen in our city again.

What do you think Cornwall?  You can post your comments below.

CORNWALL Ontario –

The Seaway International Bridge Corporation, Ltd.(SIBC) has re-opened the South Channel Bridge to traffic at this time.

Work has been completed by the SIBC maintenance crew to repair the shift in alignment to the south tower’s east expansion joint. Following an engineering assessment of the repairs, the South Channel Bridge is now open to all traffic with no restriction.

The SIBC is proud of the maintenance crew’s efforts to ensure the safety and security of all patrons on the Three Nations Bridge Crossing as well as our unblemished safety record. SIBC wishes to thank the public for their patience.

CFN – Now that Patrick Brown has stormed in and taken over the PC Party in Ontario the big question is when will he get a seat?

Most of his own MPP’s didn’t support him during the leadership run, and even if one like our own useless lump, Jim McDonell, stepped down Premier Wynne could delay a by election for around six months.

And that is the real money shot here.    Brown overcame huge odds to defeat Christine Elliott.  That surely should put the fear of um…something into Ms Wynne?

The longer it takes to get Brown into Queen’s Park the more it will look like she fears his leadership.

If she really is confident, or at least wants to portray that image, the sooner he gains his seat the faster the Ontario public will get to see whether she has what it takes to stand up to him, even while having her majority.

What do you think dear CFN viewers?  If a snap election were held who would you vote for Premier now that the PC leadership race is over?

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You can post your comment below and vote in our poll.

CORNWALL Ontario –  Last night was odd and funny.  Cornwall City Council debated a new committee to hash out a Code of Conduct.

There is the municipal act, the Council and CAO covenant (a joke document that the Mayor said isn’t even implemented) , and just plain common sense, but this council wants a new play rule book.

So let’s examine a few key things as I share that politicians make rule books not so much as guides to follow, but apparently as tools to circumvent.

The person that put the motion forward was Brock Frost.   For disclosure purposes I should state that Councilor Frost is being sued by myself for defamation based on his press release that he would destroy CFN and that I made sexual advances upon his person at a sales meeting.    What he neglected to mention in the second statement was that he bought an ad at said meeting.

Frost also stated to police and a JP that I showed up at council to “beat him up” and that after the meeting, which he was escorted out by police, four cars showed up at his home in Long Sault (Frost isn’t a Cornwall resident) and he claimed one was my own.   Both the police complaint and JP compliant were tossed.

Frost also filed a lawsuit against myself, never served it, and now has to pay legal costs.

He also is being sued by Darren Madden over the Cornwall River King fiasco.

Would you want to buy a car from this man never mind have him anywhere near writing the rules of conduct of council?

I have filed two official complaints with City Hall and Council over his conduct, but the city has refused to respond to date.   Do they really need a COC when they have a clear harassment policy which they appear that they are refusing to implement against him?

The City also is being sued over the T Shirt incident where former Mayor Bob Kilger didn’t like a t shirt I was wearing.    He addressed me directly that I either had to leave or cover the shirt.  This being Canada and we having a Charter of Rights and Freedoms I commented back to Bob who hit the Panic Button flooding the council chamber with seven police officers in 46 seconds.

There’s no real defense to that one.  Not a single council member nor Mr. Kilger has ever apologized to date and I was physically dragged out of council even though having done nothing wrong.   Using the panic button also put myself and the occupants of the room in danger.

The City to date has spent more on legal bills for that case than we offered to settle for.   The trial will probably push the legal bill over the actual amount sued for.    No wonder they have no money to support the public art gallery this year.

The Chem tanks?   Do we really expect anyone involved in that fiasco to have the skill set to create a real Code of Conduct?    And of course last year’s Waterfront Committee where the former mayor and long serving political stooge Glen Grant violated the municipal act of which they were convicted at great cost to the city for creating an instant closed meeting to have this media outlet removed after amending previous minutes to remove CFN as media attending.   Irony.  Grant was allowed to be an a city committee this year.  I was refused a single seat after applying to be on six.

And the Mayor, and councilors Elaine MacDonald and Carilyne Hebert’s Conflict of Interest over the Benson Flight School/ University/ giving cash to consultant buddies.   Where not only did the Mayor verbalize his being in conflict, but actually talked Councilor Hebert into changing her mind after she at first did declare her conflict.   Councilor MacDonald actually motioned to give the cash to the Benson group after they failed their first phase wasting thousands of public dollars and not delivering a consult on a University.

Sometimes when you’re on the dark side of the law and clearly not terribly interested in serving the public good, public being all of the citizens and not just those you work for or are affiliated with, it just makes sense to dimmer down and do your dirty deeds.

Hypocritical documents simply will be something you will be ridiculed for.     Even dumb people eventually can connect the stink and where it emanates from.

Actions do speak louder than words and there are those on this council whose actions or lack thereof become more clear each and every day.

What do you think Cornwall?  You can post your comments below.

Growing up in a Commonwealth country, it was customary in grade school to rise every morning, turn to a portrait very similar to this one, and beg to the Almighty that this woman not only be spared, but live an extraordinarily long time at the top of her game. It’s amazing the power of suggestion coming out of the mouths of babes. For here we are, decades later, and Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, of the house of Windsor, is still going strong as Queen Elizabeth II.

This has been quite a year for her. She once again became a great-grandmother, after the birth of Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana on May 2nd. If you’re tallying up offspring, The Queen has four children, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. With the addition of Charlotte, who’s now fourth in line to the throne (bumping Prince Harry down to fifth) future succession to the monarchy is quite secure. Not that she really needs them.

On September 9, 2015, Her Majesty will do something few had thought possible when she first ascended to The Throne many years ago on February 6, 1952. She will become the longest reigning British monarch, surpassing her own great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, who occupied that lofty position for 63 years and seven months (or for those of you who are really anal, 23,226 days, 16 hours and 23 minutes).

Now, some nitpickers might question that date. That’s because they like to technically start a monarch’s run from the date of their Coronation, which in the case of Elizabeth was on June 2, 1953. But remember, a monarch automatically claims the throne the minute their predecessor assumes room temperature. In the case of the 25-year-old princess’ father, King George VI, that was February 6, 1952 (it must be bittersweet to realize the anniversary of a lifelong gig also coincides with the death of a beloved parent).

For well over 60 years now, Queen Elizabeth has been a pillar of strength to her loyal subjects, and she really doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. While surpassing her heralded ancestor is indeed an amazing feat, one might foresee this Queen could possibly rule forever. Just think about other milestones she could hit. In 2017 there will be people officially hitting retirement age who will not have known any other Monarch. In 2026, she could be the first Monarch to hit 100!

Plus the chain reaction of a Royal Highness who is high in years brings new meaning to the term “elder statesman.” When the day comes that she is no longer with us, her son Charles, the world’s longest serving and oldest intern, will reach the throne. And as of this moment the grandfather of two is, at 66, one year past retirement age, still waiting for his job.

That got me wondering about those who followed Victoria. When she died in 1901 her son, King Edward VII, got the high chair at age 59, still younger than Charles. He reigned for less than a decade before his son, King George V, took up the mantle in 1910 at the age of 44. George V lasted a little over a quarter century, leaving the throne open for King Edward VIII in 1936 at the age of 41. But he abdicated in less than a year to run off with that American home wrecker, the twice divorced Bessie Wallis Warfield Simpson.

That action caused a shift in lineage, and in a monarchy that always likes to have “an heir and a spare,” the “B” team took up the mantle; with the current monarch’s father, George VI, becoming King in 1936, three days shy of his own 41 birthday. He ruled for only 16 years as his health declined. To hear his wife Elizabeth (later the beloved Queen Mum) tell it, a combination of her brother-in-law’s abdication for “that woman” and World War II, hastened her husband’s death (I’m willing to bet that if you could talk to the Queen Mum in the afterlife and you spoke fondly of Mrs. Simpson, you’d end up with at the very least, singed off eyebrows).

So that brings us back to our long reigning, globetrotting, extremely healthy Monarch who clearly isn’t gathering any dust (although her kids are). As someone who was born six years after her reign began, I have not known any other Monarch and I’m beginning to wonder if I ever will. Elizabeth II clearly has the stamina of the Energizer bunny. She could be around forever. But I can’t help but wonder if the secret to her success is the collective prayers of six generations of Commonwealth grade-schoolers who started each day in class praying for her longevity and salvation. You can’t underestimate the power of children. God Save The Queen!

Peter Anthony Holder is a Montreal based Writer & Broadcaster.   You can check him out on his website, blog, or on weekends on Global TV!