97-year-old war veteran Herb McGee of Saint Andrews has been knighted. McGee was awarded the rank of knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour. This distinction, which is the highest national order of France, was given to McGee in recognition of his personal involvement in the liberation of France during World War II. McGee joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1943 when he was just 18 as an Tail Gunner, flying 40 missions over France and Germany during the Second World War. McGee received the news in the mail just this week.

"I was very pleased to get this medal," said McGee. "I come from a military family. My brother and sister served. I am very pleased to be recognized."

St. Stephen is taking immediate actions to deal with a dramatic increase in the local homeless population. At a town council meeting on Wednesday night, councillors voted 4-2 in favour of funding $10,000 towards a proposal for a warming station for the local homeless population, proposed by the Unsheltered People Working Group.  

"This $10,000 that the council approved is critical to giving people who have no place to go a place to go," said Tanner Stewart, a board member from the Unsheltered People Working Group.

Record low vacancy rates in the area coupled with inflation have fueled the dramatic increase in the local homeless population in St. Stephen. A recent survey found that 50 per cent of the homeless population in St. Stephen are experiencing homelessness for the first time and have only been without shelter within the last six months. The location of the warming shelter is still yet to be determined.

Two world-famous Charlotte County brands are becoming intertwined. Glenn Cooke, CEO of Cooke Inc. has made a major partnership investment into Ganong Bros., Limited.

This investment will fund new equipment and use Cooke’s global retail presence to grow Ganong's market. At this time, Ganong will continue to be led by its current management team, President & CEO Bryana Ganong and her brother Nick Ganong, Chief operating officer. CHCO reached out to Cooke's to find to more details on what the investment means in terms of ownership shares, but were told that the terms of the investment transaction have not been disclosed as both parties are private, family-owned businesses.

Indulge Food and Wine Festival was back in a big way this past weekend in St. Andrews for a sold out edition of the beloved culinary event.  The highlight of the weekend for many was the Friday night "Taste of Saint Andrews" street festival that saw chefs from across the province along winery reps and alcohol purveyors stationed in businesses across Water Street for festival goers to visit for samplings. 
 

"We've been off for two years due to COVID, so this was our first year back, said event organizer Tressa Bevington. "We thought it was a huge success--hotels were booked and the streets were filled."

Finally, one of CHCO's founders, Chris Flemming, passed away on Friday, October 14, 2022. Flemming started CHCO almost 30 years ago with Brian Dickson bringing true local and independent news for Charlotte County to the television screen with community-first values at the heart of the tv station's mandate. Just two months ago, he paid one of his final visits to CHCO as a guest on Southwest Magazine, speaking about his journey starting CHCO and his hopes for its future in the community he so dearly loved.

"It was a labour of love from the beginning," said Flemming. "People were committed, and I think they are still are, and that shows. As long as that continues, CHCO so continue.