Categories
Nanticoke

Haldimand council votes down ballot question about Nanticoke MZO

Breadcrumb Trail Links

  1. News
  2. Local News

A controversial development proposal near the Nanticoke steelworks will not be on the ballot when Haldimand County voters elect their next municipal council in October 2026.

Published Dec 19, 2025  •  Last updated 3 days ago  •  3 minute read

MZO signSigns like this one spotted along the highway outside Jarvis popped up throughout Haldimand County during Shelley Ann Bentley’s successful mayoral campaign in 2022. Some of the signs have stayed put ever since, conveying some residents’ continued opposition to building 15,000 homes on industrial land in Nanticoke. Photo by J.P. Antonacci /Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Article content

A controversial development proposal near the Nanticoke steelworks will not be on the ballot when Haldimand County voters elect their next municipal council in October 2026.

Advertisement 2

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley said she wanted to have a referendum-style question added to the ballot to ask voters if they support having the province issue a minister’s zoning order (MZO) to change the zoning on industrial lands ringing Stelco’s Lake Erie Works.

Article content

Recommended Videos

Article content

Empire Communities has applied to the province for an MZO that would allow the developer to formally pitch a plan to build 15,000 new homes on 2,500 acres of farmland while reviving 1,700 acres of industrial land.

Upon completion, if approved, Empire’s plan would turn Nanticoke into Haldimand’s biggest community.

Critics of the proposed development say bringing 40,000 new residents to Haldimand would irrevocably change the county’s rural character while  straining infrastructure and causing traffic chaos.

Advertisement 3

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

But proponents note the development would happen over decades, and in the meantime, Haldimand would benefit from Empire’s pledge to fund badly needed water and wastewater infrastructure while servicing long-unused…

Continue reading

Categories
Mohegan

David Vialpando Authors Book on Gaming Regulation

David Vialpando

SAN DIEGO, CA – Gaming regulatory leader David Vialpando has authored a new professional resource, Fundamentals of Tribal Casino Gaming Regulation: A Primer for Regulators, aimed at strengthening the standards, professionalism, and operational capacity of tribal gaming regulatory agencies. Published by Palmetto Publishing and now available in hardcover, paperback, and eBook formats, the 648-page volume is the first comprehensive, practice-oriented guide devoted specifically to the day-to-day responsibilities of tribal casino gaming regulators and compliance professionals. As tribal gaming continues to serve as a critical driver of tribal sovereignty, economic development, and community investment, the book arrives at a time when the demand for knowledgeable, well-trained regulatory staff continues to grow.

Fundamentals of Tribal Casino Gaming Regulation

In contrast to traditional legal texts that focus primarily on statutory frameworks, Vialpando’s book emphasizes the operational mechanics of effective oversight. It provides clear explanations of how tribal gaming regulatory agencies are structured, how regulatory processes function on the casino floor, and how regulators safeguard the integrity of gaming, protect tribal assets, and maintain a safe environment for employees, patrons, and visitors. The text underscores three essential pillars of regulation – integrity, asset protection, and safety – while encouraging regulators to ground their decisions in tribal directives, agency regulations, and sovereignty-centered principles rather than external legal interpretation. Through accessible writing and real-world examples, the book aims to equip both new and experienced professionals with the practical knowledge required to navigate complex compliance obligations, conduct effective investigations, collaborate with state and federal partners, and support the long-term success of their gaming enterprises.

Vialpando brings decades of law-enforcement, regulatory, and leadership experience to the work. A former police officer and longtime California Department of Justice official, Vialpando concluded his public-service career as Special…

Continue reading

Categories
Unami

156 RFMF personnel return home from UN Mission in Iraq

Emotional scenes were witnessed at the Nadi International Airport as 156 Republic of Fiji Military Forces personnel returned home after completing their peacekeeping mission in Iraq under the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI).

Families and loved ones gathered in numbers to welcome the soldiers home after months of service overseas.

The contingent was later transported to Blackrock Camp in Votualevu, where an official welcoming ceremony was held.

The Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, officially welcomed the returning personnel, marking the conclusion of Fiji’s deployment under the UNAMI Mission, which ends this year.

He was accompanied by the Commander Joint Task Force Command, Brigadier Manoa Gadai.

Tikoduadua praised the contingent for their professionalism and dedication, acknowledging the sacrifices made while representing Fiji on the international stage.

He says he is proud to welcome them home safely, adding that they carried the flag of Fiji with honour, discipline and courage in a challenging environment.

The Minister also paid tribute to the leaders and senior officers who commanded the mission, highlighting the responsibility of leadership during overseas deployments.

He says leadership on tour is never easy, and a commander’s greatest responsibility is to ensure every soldier returns home alive and well.

Tikoduadua encouraged the returning personnel to reconnect with their families and make good use of their time at home.

He urged them to spend quality time with loved ones and dedicate their resources and financial gains towards the families who supported them during their deployment.

The return of the 156 personnel marks the end of Fiji’s contribution to the UNAMI Mission, closing another chapter in the country’s long and respected history of United Nations peacekeeping service.

Continue reading

Categories
Nanticoke

Kathleen T. Graham – Wilkes-Barre Citizens’ Voice

Kathleen T. Graham OBITUARY

Kathleen T. Graham, Kathy, 79, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away in the presence of her loving family at home on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

Born March 29, 1946 in Wilkes-Barre she was the daughter of the late Charles and Kathleen Dunnigan Kennedy.

Kathleen was a graduate of Saint Therese’s School, Saint Mary’s High School, and Empire Beauty School in Wilkes-Barre.

A homemaker mostly, Kathy worked at Main Hardware, and its Christmasland in Wilkes-Barre, and at McDonald’s in Hanover Township.

Her favorite times of the year were watching Notre Dame football, St. Patrick’s Day, and all the festivities, right up to her birthday. Then she couldn’t wait for the warm spring and summer days sitting in her yard with an iced tea and great conversation with friends and family.

Her husband of sixty years, Ralph J. Graham, Art, preceded her in death on September 25, 2025.

Surviving and cherishing her memory are her children Ralph and his wife Debbie Graham of Kingston Township, Kevin and his wife Betsy Graham of Nanticoke, Scott and his wife Sharyl Graham of Wilkes-Barre, PJ and his wife Alyson Graham of Wilkes-Barre, Kathleen and her husband Foster Knorr of Nanticoke, and Kelly and her husband Mark R of Wilkes-Barre; grandchildren Samantha and her husband John Musto, Corey Graham, Brittany Cox and her husband Cameron, Megan and Gabriella Graham, Erika and her husband John Mavus, Alycia Knorr, Evann and Ian Graham; sister Nancy and her husband Herb Fehlinger; nephews Charles and Michael Fehlinger; and other family and friends.

A simple thank you will never be enough for the sacrifice, care, and love their caregiver and daughter, Kelly, gave Kathy and Art over the past five years.

Celebration of Kathleen’s Life takes place Monday, December 22, 2025, in the Church of Saint Nicholas-Saint…

Continue reading

Categories
Mohegan

Mohegan Sun Arena Voted #1 Casino Concert Venue

Mohegan Sun Arena_REVMohegan Sun Arena

UNCASVILLE, CT – The 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena has been ranked “#1 Best Casino Concert Venue” in Newsweek’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. The recognition highlights Mohegan Sun Arena’s reputation as one of the premier entertainment destinations both regionally and throughout the country, delivering more than 125 concerts and sporting events per year.

Over a four-week voting period, Newsweek readers and industry experts cast their votes, honoring venues that exemplify exceptional guest experiences.

“Earning the #1 spot for ‘Best Casino Concert Venue’ and ranking near the top in two other categories is an incredible honor for Mohegan Sun,” said Jeff Hamilton, President & GM. “These recognitions, along with being named to Forbes Best-in-State Companies for 2026, reflect the dedication of our team and inspire us to keep delivering world-class experiences for our guests.”

In addition to this achievement, Mohegan Sun also earned recognition in two other Newsweek Readers’ Choice categories: #2 “Best Native American Casino” and #2 “Best Casino Players Club” (Momentum).

The award-winning Mohegan Sun Arena hosts touring acts such as Justin Timberlake, Megan Moroney, Matt Rife, Sting, Rush, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen and Eric Clapton, among others. In late September, Adam Sandler also played sold out shows while also being inducted into Mohegan Sun Arena’s Walk of Fame, joining Bon Jovi, Tim McGraw and Taylor Swift. The Netflix show My Next Guest with David Letterman, also filmed at Mohegan Sun Arena during these performances as part of a special episode on Adam Sandler.

Continue reading

Categories
Lenni Lenape

Wreaths of remembrance

Wreaths of remembrance | South Jersey Media Courtesy of Lenape Regional High School District
Rachel Belville, her family, and two members of the Yellow Ribbon Club – Nicole Lain and Gracie DeMaise – at Shawnee High School recently participated in Wreaths of Remembrance at the Gloucester County Veterans Cemetery. They worked along hundreds of volunteers to honor veterans by placing 4,000 wreaths on the graves while saying words of gratitude to honor the deceased veterans. Submitted Content

Current Issue

Medford

SideRail

Categories
Unami

Sudani: End of Coalition and UNAMI Missions Symbolizes Iraq’s Sovereignty Consolidation

Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani declared at the Iraqi Martyrs’ Day ceremony that the conclusion of the international coalition’s mission against ISIS and the end of UNAMI’s activities signify the consolidation of Iraq’s sovereignty and the independence of its political decision-making.

Speaking at the official event, Sudani stated that over the past three years, Iraq has witnessed developments that have brought important achievements for the country, its people, and national forces. He described these changes as the result of a continuous process in political and security fields.

According to Sudani, the end of the international coalition’s mission and UNAMI’s operations is among the most prominent of these accomplishments, demonstrating that Iraq has been able to reinforce its sovereignty and make independent political decisions.

The Prime Minister referenced assessments from the United Nations and the international community, noting that these institutions have recognized Iraq’s political and security successes. He said that Baghdad has now established balanced relations with its regional and international environment and is acknowledged as a fully sovereign country with capable armed forces.

Sudani also mentioned that following these developments, Iraqi citizens contributed to strengthening the democratic process by participating in elections—a participation that, according to him, reflects the people’s support for the government’s performance and its priorities.

He described the parliamentary election participation as effective and a milestone for consolidating the country’s democratic process. In conclusion, the Prime Minister called on national forces to address their legal obligations through independent national decisions, emphasizing that social hope has returned and that the path to development continues with a welcoming approach to constructive cooperation with friendly and brotherly countries.

URL Copied

Continue reading

Categories
Mohican

The Most Picturesque Small Towns in Ohio

With a thriving art and culture scene, beautiful outdoor landscapes, and trademark Midwestern hospitality, Ohio ranks high among the most charismatic destinations in the central United States. Although bustling metropolises like Cleveland and Columbus are the most popular, the Buckeye State offers multiple small-town enclaves with unrivaled charm. Nestled amongst rolling farmland, scenic rivers, and lush forests, these under-the-radar locales cultivate true community spirit through lively downtowns, local flavor, and pastoral serenity.

While most visitors to Ohio stick to top attractions in major cities, those venturing to the state’s idyllic fringes will discover its most picturesque towns. Overlooking quintessential landscapes, these hidden gems peppering the Buckeye countryside guarantee the absolute best that small towns in Ohio offer.

Chagrin Falls

The historic town of Chagrin Falls, OhioThe historic town of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Editorial credit: Lynne Neuman / Shutterstock.com

The Cleveland suburb boasts one of the most beautiful downtowns in Cuyahoga County. Strolling through the Chagrin Falls Triangle Park Commercial Historic District is a surreal experience. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the neighborhood stands out for the beautiful cascades, which serve as the perfect focal point. Exquisite nature spaces complement the town’s quaint downtown, providing an escape for tourists who appreciate the company of Mother Nature. You can relax at Beartown Lakes Reservation, which features quiet trails along Spring Creek.

Chagrin Falls harbors a respectable arts community well-represented by the Chagrin Valley Little Theater. This institution has entertained the public for decades by staging concerts, musicals, plays, and other theatrical performances. It is also one of the country’s oldest community theaters.

Loudonville

City Hall and Opera House (1909), The Ohio Theatre in Loudonville, OhioCity Hall and Opera House (1909), The Ohio Theatre in Loudonville,…

Continue reading

Categories
Nanticoke

HS ROUNDUP: Trojanettes’ defense too much for Seminary

  • Greater Nanticoke Areas Haley Verazin battles Wyoming Seminarys Nori Neuwirth...

    Greater Nanticoke Areas Haley Verazin battles Wyoming Seminarys Nori Neuwirth for the ball during action Friday Night December 19th 2025 at Greater Nanticoke Area. DAVE SCHERBENCO / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

  • Greater Nanticoke Areas Navaeh Baran battles Wyoming Seminarys Stella Ruiz...

    Greater Nanticoke Areas Navaeh Baran battles Wyoming Seminarys Stella Ruiz for the ball during action Friday Night December 19th 2025 at Greater Nanticoke Area. DAVE SCHERBENCO / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

  • Wyoming Seminarys Ellie Kersey looks to work the ball around...

    Wyoming Seminarys Ellie Kersey looks to work the ball around Greater Nanticoke Area defender Natalee Atkins during action Friday Night December 19th 2025 at Greater Nanticoke Area. DAVE SCHERBENCO / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

  • Greater Nanticoke Area and Wyoming Seminary players scramble for the...

    Greater Nanticoke Area and Wyoming Seminary players scramble for the loose ball during action Friday Night December 19th 2025 at Greater Nanticoke Area. DAVE SCHERBENCO / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

  • Greater Nanticoke Areas Navaeh Baran drives to the hoop guarded...

    Greater Nanticoke Areas Navaeh Baran drives to the hoop guarded by Wyoming Seminarys Ellie Kersey during action Friday Night December 19th 2025 at Greater Nanticoke Area. DAVE SCHERBENCO / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

  • Wyoming Seminarys Kaeleen Dougherty passes over Greater Nanticoke defenders under...

    Wyoming Seminarys Kaeleen Dougherty passes over Greater Nanticoke defenders under the Seminary net during action Friday Night December 19th 2025 at Greater Nanticoke Area. DAVE SCHERBENCO / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

1 of 6

Greater Nanticoke Areas Haley Verazin battles Wyoming Seminarys Nori Neuwirth for the ball during action Friday Night December 19th 2025 at Greater Nanticoke Area. DAVE SCHERBENCO / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Expand

The Nanticoke Area girls basketball team used strong defense…

Continue reading

Categories
Mohegan

Access to this page has been denied

Access to this page has been denied a human (and not a bot).Press & HoldPlease check your network connection or disable your ad-blocker.’; document.body.appendChild(div); }; ]]>

Continue reading