Wednesday, September 27, 2006 · Page 15 Preparing for a strike Wayne Steingart of Community Living Essex County lines up to knock down some pins during the Apple Bowl at Empire Lanes in Ruthven Sunday. The event featured 90 participants who raised more than $4,500 for Community Living. The event was a prelude to the 27th annual Ruthven Apple Festival taking place Sept. 30 to Oct. 1. All proceeds from the festival will also benefit Community Living Essex County. Proposed legislation tackles real estate fraud BY FREE PRESS STAFF The provincial government is planning to introduce legislation this fall that aims to protect homeowners from real estate fraud. If passed, the legislation could protect a homeowner's property from being lost if someone were to file a fraudulent mortgage claim using counterfeit documents. identity Although it's not a problem locally, Essex MPP Bruce Crozier said this type of fraud has occurred in a number of Ontario cities. "I've never had anyone around here come to me with the problem," said Crozier. "But when it does, it really shakes you. You wonder how it does happen." Crozier said recent incidents in Toronto prompted the proposed legislation, which would also protect a homeowner from a fraudulent sale of property. Those committing fraud would also have their bank accounts either revoked or suspended. Fines for offences related to real estate fraud would in turn be raised from $1,000 to $50,000, if the bill passes. In the past, incidents of real estate fraud have threatened homeowners with the potential of losing their property and homes, said Paul Dezara, communications director for Gerry Phillips, the minister of government services. "You can never reduce fraud to zero, but with the new legislation, you will not lose your home," Dezara said. "If someone tries to take out a mortgage in your name or sell a house out from under you, those records will be nullified." Free Press / Dan Schwab Kingsville man dies in head-on collision BY FREE PRESS STAFF A Kingsville man was killed Sept. 24 as the result of a head-on collision on Seacliffe Drive in Kingsville. Ontario Provincial Police officers from the Kingsville detachment were called to an accident on Seacliffe Drive west of County Road 31 in Kingsville at 4:15 p.m. According to police, Leonard Reeb, 42, was driving a blue Chrysler PT Cruiser eastbound when a black Ford Mustang driven by 25-year-old Patrick Santos reportedly struck the Cruiser head-on. Members of the Leamington Fire Department were called to the scene and used the Jaws of Life to free Santos from the Mustang. Santos was taken to Leamington District Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead, a press release states. Reeb was taken to the same hospital and treated for minor injuries related to his car's air bag, the report states. Police do not expect to press charges as a result of the accident. (3 winners in total will choose a prize) CRIMINAL DEFENCE LAWYER Impaired... assaults... threats... traffic tickets Criminal Pardons at a reasonable cost. $100 Gift $5000 Certificates towards a $5000 $5000 (or 10,000 gift certificates new Bathroom towards towards a for Home Installs). new kitchen n e w F l o o r i n g Use at Essex Home Hardware. Why miss work or school for court? · CONTEST RULES · For your chance to qualify complete and return this form to Essex Home Hardware by October 18th. BEFORE CHRISTINA SWEET Weekend and evening appointments in Essex 253-0140 Res. 776-8983 Barrister-at-Law Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Essex County Resident? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bathroom Renovation Entry Forms In Store. Kitchen Renovation Complete By October 18th. Flooring Renovation Contest Rules Available In Store. ANNOUNCING ... Helping You Control Your World HEATING & COOLING TO SERVE YOU BETTER - NOW OPEN IN ESSEX! (ACROSS FROM ZEHRS) AFTER THE "$25,000 UGLIEST ROOM RENOVATION CONTEST" Brought to you by building centre Centura, Cutler, NHB, Eurostream, Can Save, Counter Effects, B & F, Dayton Vanities, Moen, Kindred, AFA, Goodfellows, Mr. Marble 100 finalists chosen October 19th. Only those who submit 1 to 3 4x6 photos by October 24th qualify for the three grand prizes. New Phone Number: 519-776-4021 47 WILSON AVENUE, ESSEX · (519) 776-4646