Kingston News, October 31, 2017

Military Officer – Sexual Assault Charges

The Director of Professional Development at the Canadian Defence Academy in Kingston has been charged with two counts of sexual assault.  Colonel Jean-Francois Duval has also been charged with one count of committing an indecent act, two counts of scandalous conduct, two counts of disgraceful conduct, and three counts of prejudicing good order and discipline.

The charges relate to incidents that took place in Valcartier, Quebec and Gagetown, New Brunswick.

Duval has been relieved of his command at the Defence Academy in Kingston but will remain employed there.

A statement from the military says the case is now proceeding to a possible court martial.

Ontario – College Strike

The Minister responsible for post-secondary education in Ontario says there are no plans to end the strike by college faculty through back to work legislation.

Minister Deb Matthews says she has met with both the College Employer Council and Ontario Public Service Employees Union to request they return to the bargaining table.

No negotiations have been scheduled.

A handful of St. Lawrence Students demonstrated outside the office of Kingston and the Islands MPP Sophie Kiwala yesterday asking for a returning to the bargaining table and a return to classes.

School Bus Rollover

Nobody was injured when a school bus rolled over in Prince Edward County on Monday afternoon.

The bus had just dropped off a student near Bloomfield when it rolled into a ditch.

There were twelve student on board at the time.

All were checked by paramedics and none suffered injuries.

The OPP says its investigation is continuing.

Youth Charged

A 14 year old Kingston boy has been charged after a knife was pulled on a cab driver.

Kingston Police say the cab driver was dropping off a person at an address on Bayridge Drive at 12:30 yesterday morning when the person refused to pay and pulled a knife on the driver.

Police arrested a 14 year old at a nearby address a short time later.  He’s been charged with possession of a weapon, assault with a weapon, and transportation fraud.

Millhaven – Lockdown-Over

Officials say some contraband was found during a lockdown and search at the maximum security Millhaven Institution.  The lockdown was put in place on Friday so staff could conduct an exceptional search.  Assistant Warden Vicki Willis says an unspecified number of contraband materials were discovered.  The prison’s usual routine — including visits — has now resumed.

NICU Donation – Smile Cookies

The annual Kingston Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Week has raised $90,000 for the neonatal intensive care unit at the Kingston General Hospital.

The cheque presentation from sales of the cookies from September 11th to 17th will be made this afternoon.

Since 2013 the Kingston Tim Hortons has donated over $370,000 to the neonatal intensive care unit through the Smile Cookie Campaign.

Skeleton Park – Parade

There’s a unique neighbourhood Halloween celebration in Kingston taking place this afternoon.

The Halloween Parade in Skeleton Park is described as a wacky and wonderful musical parade of costumes. People are encouraged to join the neighbourhood tradition starting at five this afternoon and then head out for tricks or treats.