Examiner May 21, 2026

THREE CANDIDATES FOR MAYOR PAGE

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Rock the Range brings fun in support of MRI campaign DAN ROLPH Editor

Rock the Range is returning to the White Squirrel Golf Club in Zurich on June 20, but this year’s event will come with a unique taste of Newfoundland culture.

The fundraiser, which is being dubbed the “Newfoundland Kitchen Party Edition” of Rock the Range, will be presented by the White Squirrel Cares Foundation and Team Reid McDonald’s in support of the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital Foundation’s Magnetic Moments MRI campaign.

Rock the Range will feature Great Big Sea tribute band Off the Rock, as well as Newfoundland comedian Colin Hollett.

“East coasters, they love to have a good party and support their communities,” said Goderich McDonald’s owner Justin Reid. “It’s going to be a great time.

There will be really good entertainment, good food and good people.”

The White Squirrel Cares Foundation, the charity arm of the White Squirrel Golf Club, first introduced Rock the Range in 2025 with two concert fundraisers.

White Squirrel executive director Dan McLaughlin said this year will be different as they focus their efforts on a single, larger event.

With the previous concerts focusing on classic rock CONTINUED TO PAGE 12

EXETER MASONIC LODGE SUPPORTS MCHAPPY DAY WITH (DAN ROLPH PHOTO) $25,000 DONATION

McHappy Day was back at local McDonald’s restaurants on May 6. During the annual fundraiser, a portion of the proceeds from food and beverage sales are donated to Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario. This year, restaurants in Exeter, Goderich, Grand Bend, Mitchell, Wingham and Kincardine together raised $86,657, including a $25,000 donation from the Exeter Masonic Lodge. From left are Louise Haggitt, Patrick Murphy, McDonald’s Exeter owner Rob Reid, and Exeter Masons John Miners and Mike Brintnell.

Candlelight concerts coming to Exeter DAN ROLPH Editor

The popular and picturesque setting of a concert lit by thousands of candles is coming to Exeter with a pair of shows presented by Fever and the Huron Waves Music Festival.

The concerts, which will take place on June 12 and 13

at Trivitt Memorial Church in Exeter, will feature the hit music of The Beatles and Taylor Swift performed by a string quartet.

Huron Waves president Paul Ciufo described the candlelight setting as “enchanting.”

“It creates this really special atmosphere,” said Ciufo. “They’re really popular” Candlelight concerts have become a global phenom-

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Thursday, May 21, 2026

Exeter Examiner

COMMUNITY

Three vying to be South Huron’s next mayor JOHN MINER Examiner Reporter

One candidate for mayor of South Huron is hoping to keep the job he’s held for two terms. Another is aiming to make a political comeback. A third veteran councillor is attempting to move up to the top spot.

While it is still three months until nominations close and more candidates could be added, South Huron already has a three-way race for mayor.

The current mayor George Finch is running for a third term.

Finch handily won the previous two municipal elections, taking 56 per cent of the votes in 2018 and 58 per cent in 2022.

Maureen Cole was mayor of South Huron from 2014 to 2018. She won the 2014 election with 61 per cent of the votes, but was unsuccessful against Finch in the next two contests.

The third candidate for mayor is Ted Oke, currently the councillor for Ward 3 (Usborne) of South Huron, a position he has held since the 2014 municipal election. Oke faced challengers in his first two elections to council, but was acclaimed in the last round.

Jim Dietrich, South Huron’s current deputy mayor, is running again for that position.

Several candidates have filed their nomination papers for council positions.

As of May 14, three are running for the two council spots in Ward 1 (Stephen): Patricia Desjardine-Soer, Wendy McLeod-Haggitt and Marissa Vaughan.

In Ward 2 (Exeter), there are three candidates to date for the two positions: Daryl Demaray, Antonio Munion and Aaron Neeb.

No candidates have yet filed nomina-

tion papers to run for the one council position in Ward 3 (Usborne).

Nominations close on Aug. 21 at 2 p.m.

Besides presiding over council meetings, the job of mayor includes acting as South Huron’s chief executive officer and representing the municipality at official functions. The mayor, along with the deputy mayor, also sit on Huron County council.

The Exeter Examiner asked each of the candidates for mayor why they are running, what they bring to the position, what would be their top priority for South Huron for the next four years and their relevant personal background for the position.

Maureen Cole Cole said South Huron needs a mayor who helps the council and county council listen to everyone, set shared priorities and develop an action plan for 2027.

“This should not be a popularity contest, but rather a choice built on education, skills and commitment to understand and advocate for the ordinary person. We are only as strong as our weakest,” Cole said in an email.

She said she will remain an advocate for local charities, non-profits and volunteers who are the backbone of strong communities.

As for what she will bring to the position, Cole said she has the courage to continue to explain the challenges preventing South Huron from being the place of choice, as in affordable housing, particularly home ownership.

“I am not afraid of hard work, informative conversations, or doing research to make decisions.”

Her top priority for South Huron will be affordability for all, particularly

home ownership and fiscal responsibility to ensure taxes stay affordable too.

Her relevant personal background for the position includes experience as past mayor and county councillor, strategic planning consultant for non-profits, clinical site leader for the South Huron Hospital Association and retired nurse.

She is a grandmother to two who are involved in sports.

George Finch Finch said he was originally urged to run for mayor because of the number of challenges in the 2014 to 2018 South Huron council.

A seven-page report by integrity commissioner Fred Dean, contained in the Sept. 4, 2018, council minutes posted on the municipality’s website, described the council situation as a mess.

“I just ran to fix the mess and the broken chain of progress that we saw in that council term,” Finch said.

He said he is running again because people want him to continue what council has been doing over the last almost eight years.

Finch said he brings a sense of calm, stability and leadership to the position.

His top priorities include replacement of the Dashwood Fire Hall, completion of phase two of the South Huron recreation centre with a walking track and gymnasium, expansion of the Exeter fire hall and advocating for a roundabout at Highway 83 and Airport Line.

For his relevant personal background, Finch points to his years as an OPP officer. Policing gave him the opportunity to see the rich, the poor, the middle class and everything in between.

“I understand people, I understand what happens when people are in dire straits and I understand that we need to

work together as a community to make ourselves better.”

Ted Oke Oke said he is running for mayor because he believes he can make a positive difference in the lives of South Huron’s residents.

“South Huron deserves leadership that brings the community together, helps to make some thoughtful decisions and plans for the future.”

Twelve years of council experience have given him an understanding of municipal budgeting, infrastructure planning, and the recreational needs of the community. He knows local governance, what can and can’t be done.

Oke said he’s had the opportunity to listen at council meetings, community events and have conversations with residents and businesses across South Huron. He describes himself as a collaborative problem solver who understands that most times the best solutions come from listening to multiple opinions.

“I tend to establish a culture where people feel confident in sharing their thoughts and ideas with me.”

Oke said his top priority as mayor will be to broaden the economic base for South Huron in a fair and equitable manner, where growth benefits all residents.

For relevant background, Oke pointed to being raised on a farm in South Huron, attending public and high school here, playing sports and volunteering as a hockey coach and 4-H leader. In his work, he’s helped farmers, agribusinesses and small businesses develop their business plans.

“My understanding of financial budgets, I believe has benefited council.”

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Thursday, May 21, 2026

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Exeter Examiner

EDITORIAL

Municipal nominations are open, and so is your chance to make a difference to what is happening in our community.

For many people, it is easy to get caught up in the drama of federal politics. We are constantly bombarded with national coverage that follows every word from the federal government, the official opposition and the countless commentators chiming in on the decisions made on the national and international stages.

The attention federal politics receives appears to be reflected in voter turnout trends. Across Canada, turnout in federal elections has consistently been higher than in provincial and municipal elections.

The 2025 federal election had a national voter turnout of 69.5 per cent. In Huron-Bruce,

DAN ROLPH Editor

With about five months to go Ontario’s 2026 municipal elections, nominations are now open for candidates looking to run to represent their communities across the province.

As the political races start to materialize locally, it is the perfect time to reflect on the importance of paying attention

over 76 per cent of eligible voters cast a ballot that year, surpassing the national average.

Meanwhile, South Huron saw a voter turnout of about 44.5 per cent in the 2022 municipal election, meaning the majority of those living in the community didn’t participate. In 2018, turnout was just over 54 per cent, demonstrating a drop of about 10 points in four years.

The downward trend in participation levels on the local level is one that has concerned me for many years, but it is one that is far from unique.

In London, voter turnout was 25.5 per cent in the 2022 municipal election, dropping nearly 15 per cent in four years. For Toronto, just over 29 per cent of voters cast a ballot that year.

For democracy to function it requires the participation of the people. It needs a population of citizens who are engaged, informed and willing to form opinions about the things that impact them and those around them.

The federal government does not decide what roads get repaired or replaced. It does not manage the systems that ensure water can be brought to your property. It does not approve the developments that expand neighbourhoods or the recreational projects and programs that enrich them. It does not maintain your local parks, plow your snow-covered streets or maintain the fire department that is there in tragic times.

Those are the vital things that

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are a part of everyday life, and they all fall into the purview of your municipality.

The good news is there is no level of government more accessible than the municipal one.

For some, staying engaged is as simple as following local news and voting on election day. For others, it means taking a more active role in shaping the community by running for council.

Whatever participation in municipal politics looks like for you, I believe we owe it to ourselves and to our neighbours to pay attention and to remain engaged.

If we are not willing to play an active part in improving our community, who will?

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Thursday, May 21, 2026

Tornado and downburst confirmed near Lucan after May 9 storm

A downburst that happened during a May 9 storm in the Lucan area is the first confirmed by Western University’s Northern Tornadoes Project in Canada this year. A drone survey of the damaged area showed the roof of a barn had been removed, while the barn’s walls also fell.

DAN ROLPH Editor

A strong thunderstorm on May 9 that made phones across the region buzz with warnings produced a damaging downburst and a tornado in the Lucan area, according to Western University’s Northern Tornadoes Project.

While most thunderstorms produce

downdrafts of air, a downburst is one with the strength to cause damage, plunging downward out of a storm and spreading outward in all directions when it hits the ground.

According to the project, a downburst occurred in Lucan on Sixteen Mile Road near Wonderland Road at about 4 p.m. No injuries were reported, but a drone survey confirmed that the downburst had removed the roof of a large

Goodbye

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( NORTHERN TORNADOES PROJECT PHOTOS)

The May 9 storm also produced an EF0 tornado south of Granton, damaging a set of solar panels. The tornado is expected to have travelled at least one kilometre. Photo by the Northern Tornadoes Project

barn and toppled its walls, classifying the downburst as an EF0 microburst.

They estimated the downburst had a maximum windspeed of 130 km/h.

Shortly after the downburst in Lucan, a tornado touched down south of Granton on Highway 7, just east of Granton Line. The tornado had an estimated maximum windspeed of 110 km/h, and the Northern Tornadoes Project classified it as an EF0 tornado.

The tornado damaged a solar panel, but limited indicators of damage left the project unable to discern its exact path, though they estimated it traveled for at least one kilometre, moving from the west.

Both occurrences are the first confirmed in Canada by the project in 2026.

In 2025, the project confirmed 116 tornadoes and 103 downbursts across the country.

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Exeter Examiner

Exeter Examiner

Senior of the Week

Photo Quiz

Who are you looking at?

By Judy and Barry Johnson

Our senior of the week is Shirley Paul. Shirley turned the ripe young age of 103 on May 10. She was born in Stratford where she went to school. She became an elementary teacher and married Lee Paul in 1946. The two were the third generation of the Paul family to live on the farm outside of Kirkton. Shirley was part of the trio, the Paul Brothers and Shirley, where they travelled around entertaining with comedy acts and music. She told this reporter when she turned 101 that the secret to living this long was to just keep moving. Happy Birthday, Shirley!

If you would like to nominate someone for Senior of the Week, contact us at info@exeterexaminer.com

I have beautiful flowers that look like tiny orchids. Find me in tall, dense stands of my kin, along rivers, ditches and creeks. My western Himalayas ancestors came here in the early 1800s as ornamental plants.

HINT: I am an invasive species that crowds out native plants. A single plant produces seed pods that explode to launch hundreds of seeds several metres away.

This week’s answers are found on pg. 30

WEEKEND

QUIZ

By Jake Grant

1. An educated guess made at the start of an experiment is called what?

2. What does VHS stand for?

3. Which celebrity has fulfilled the most Make-AWish requests?

4. The Dead Sea is located between which two countries?

5. An orca can also be called a what?

6. What archeologist discovered King Tuts tomb?

7. How many times zones are there in Canada?

8. What year did Leonardo DiCaprio finally win his first Oscar?

9. Before Tokyo became the capital city of Japan, where was the capital located?

10. How many syllables are in the word Mississippi?

This week’s answers are found on pg. 30

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Exeter BIA wants early input into construction projects JOHN MINER Examiner Reporter

Pointing to the huge impact Main Street construction can have on businesses, the Exeter Business Improvement Area (BIA) board is asking for a seat at the planning table before the first tender is issued.

In a presentation to South Huron council, BIA director Jayme Lamoureux said the association that represents more than 175 local businesses and property owners is brought into the process late in the game.

“When project timelines shift, when phases change, or when unexpected disruptions occur, our members are often the last to know,” she said.

The BIA understands the requirement for infrastructure investment and that projects need to be done, but downtown construction projects carry significant consequences for BIA members. Foot traffic drops sharply, customers avoid construction zones and even businesses not directly adjacent to the work see reduced walk-in traffic.

For businesses operating on tight margins even a few weeks of reduced revenue can have lasting consequences, Lamoureux said.

The BIA requested council direct staff to include the Exeter BIA in the planning and development stages of Main Street construction projects, starting with the current project and continuing with all future projects that materially affect the downtown Main Street areas.

“We would love the opportunity to work collaboratively with the municipality to provide constructive feedback and suggestions on proposed streetscape designs, layout or beautification opportunities, and infrastructure upgrades such as additional wiring on lamp posts or light installations,” Lamoureux said.

She cited two advantages to having a BIA representative at the table during the planning and development stages.

One is that it allows business owners who have a vested interest in the project’s success and timeline to participate in a way that they feel a sense of ownership in the project. Being able to discuss the project timelines can alleviate any concerns with the construction.

Another advantage is that municipalities can gain first-hand knowledge and valuable insight into measures that will improve the overall feel and movement on Main Street.

Coun. Aaron Neeb asked for clarification on what the BIA was requesting when there is a municipal councillor that serves as liaison on the BIA board.

Neeb said it was his understanding that the municipality had reached out to major stakeholders and that businesses had been contacted individually about the Main Street construction.

Lamoureux said her experience is that businesses are involved well past the point of the planning stages.

The tenders have already gone out, contractors have already been set, the schedules have already been set, and then at that point the community stakeholders are kind of engaged, she said.

(JOHN MINER PHOTO)

The Exeter BIA is looking to provide input on projects earlier in the planning stages as Exeter navigates business disruptions due to the reconstruction of Main Street.

South Huron CAO Rebekah Msuyua-Collison said she appreciated the feedback from the BIA and the long partnership with the municipality in supporting businesses, identifying common problems and assisting with communications.

Msuya-Collison said there have been ongoing conversations with municipal

staff on different initiatives, including the current project.

“We have met and discussed various opportunities and concerns for this particular project at a staff level,” she said.

Outside of construction projects, Msuya-Collison said staff are also open to discussions with representatives of the BIA.

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Exeter Examiner

Huron Waves bringing candlelight concerts to Exeter CONTINUED FROM FRONT

enon, and Fever has presented the concerts with a romantic setting in some of the world’s most recognizable venues.

They are usually brought to spaces that boast beautiful architecture, such as older churches, and those venues are filled with thousands of candles.

In Exeter, Ciufo said Trivitt provides exactly the kind of setting they need.

“It’s a gorgeous, interesting space,” he said. “They have been so supportive over the years of the festival, allowing us to present concerts there.”

Ciufo said he first attended a candlelight concert after having conversations about them with former Huron Waves artistic director John Miller, who retired from his position with the festival after the 2025 season.

“John had a couple of times during his tenure talked to me about candlelight concerts and how they were quite a sensation around the world,” he said.

“I was really taken by them. I got to understand why people really love them.

“It creates this really special atmosphere.”

With the two Exeter concerts featuring the music of The Beatles and Taylor Swift in a one-hour program, Ciufo said it is a unique opportunity for music lovers who may not usually consider attending a performance of classical music to experience something both new and familiar at the same time.

“I’ve realized that when you hear mu-

sic that is so well known, so recognizable and so beloved, there is just something really magical about it,” he said.

“There’s a refinement to it, but it’s this fun music that you love.

“We think people will really respond and be excited to hear the music of the biggest band of all time and the biggest musical act of today.”

With Miller’s retirement, as well as the retirement of Huron Waves general manager Carolyn Young, Ciufo said Huron Waves is in a transitional period and that the team behind the festival is deciding how it will take shape the coming years.

When Bach Music Festival co-founders Gerald Fagan and Friedhelm Hoffman stepped away from the festival, Miller was brought into the fold with his history of spearheading the Stratford Summer Music Festival.

Since rebranding to Huron Waves in 2019, the annual festival has brought attractions to the region such as the touring installation GAIA, as well as recognizable names including Susan Aglukark, Tomson Highway and William Prince.

“Under John’s leadership we did some amazing things,” said Ciufo.

The doors will open for both concerts at 8 p.m., and the performances will begin at 8:30 p.m.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit huronwaves.ca.

(FEVER PHOTO)

Huron Waves Music Festival and Fever are bringing a pair of candlelight concerts to Exeter’s Trivitt Memorial Church on June 12 and 13. The popular concert format has been brought to communities throughout the world and will feature the music of The Beatles and Taylor Swift.

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Exeter Examiner

Thursday, May 21, 2026

9

Bluewater brings in lower speed limits for urban areas DAN ROLPH Editor

Drivers in Bluewater’s communities will need to watch their speedometers as speed limits in the municipality’s builtup communities are being reduced.

Under a new bylaw that was passed during the May 4 council meeting, the default speed limit that applies to urban areas in the municipality is dropping to 40 km/h, effectively reducing speed limits in Bluewater’s villages.

Public works manager Dave Kester said the reduced speed limits will impact roads and streets that fall under Bluewater’s jurisdiction, meaning roads that fall under the county’s purview won’t have their limits reduced, such as Main Street in Zurich and Hensall.

“It would be to the county’s (discretion) if they felt the need to change that,” said Kester. “It is under their bylaw that the speed limit is governed.”

The new speed limits come as council continues to hear concerns from residents about speeding in the municipal-

ity’s villages.

Bayfield has consistently been an area of concern, and council introduced a pilot project in 2023 that reduced speed limits in that community to 30 km/h.

Those lower limits will remain in effect despite the changes to Bluewater’s default urban limits.

Neighbouring municipality South Huron also reduced its speed limits in urban areas to 40 km/h in 2025, including in Dashwood, where part of the community is a part of Bluewater. The change to Bluewater’s default urban speed limits will create a community-wide zone of 40 km/h.

The change to the default urban speed limit will also reduce the required signage in Bluewater’s villages, and the municipality will be installing signs at key entry and exit points.

Councillors had previously earmarked $5,000 in the 2026 budget to cover speed limit signage, and staff estimated that the approved budget will cover the costs of the new signage in Bluewater’s villages.

(DAN ROLPH PHOTO)

The default urban speed limit in Bluewater is being lowered from 50 km/h to 40 km/h, reducing speed limits in communities across the municipality.

United Way Perth Huron hoping for more municipal support JOHN MINER Examiner Reporter

United Way Perth Huron is hoping South Huron council will increase its support for the agency at the end of the current five-year funding agreement.

Under a 2022 agreement, South Huron has contributed $30,000 each year to United Way Perth Huron.

2026 is the last year covered by the agreement.

In a presentation to council, Ryan Erb, executive director of United Way Perth Huron, expressed gratitude for the past contributions that have allowed the agency to support a wide range of initiatives in the community, including programs to address intimate partner violence, food insecurity, housing and mental health.

“That money has allowed us to leverage a lot of other donations in the community and bring significant value to the community far beyond that investment,” he said United Way Perth Huron has had preliminary discussions about renewing the agreement with South Huron and hopes the support can be increased above $30,000, Erb said. He did not give a figure for what the organization is looking

for from the municipality.

In suggesting an increase, Erb cited the increasing costs to provide services and an increasing demand for services.

As an example, he pointed to the South Huron Connection Centre, a partnership with the Pentecostal Church in Exeter that provides hot meals, food hampers, showers and laundry services. The number of people supported through the South Huron Connection Centre, the first of four to be established in Perth Huron, has doubled year over year.

Last year, United Way opened an Access Centre in South Huron for programs operated by the Huron Perth Children’s Aid Society and The Well Youth Hub. It hopes to add mental health, social services and employment support services to the centre.

The centre is meant to address a challenge that South Huron and other rural communities face, Erb said.

“It’s difficult for us to get clients to the services so we are increasingly trying to bring services to clients.”

Another service supported by United Way Perth Huron in South Huron is Huron Turning Point, a transitional housing program that helps men experiencing homelessness.

Typically, individuals live there for a

year and hopefully move to stable housing after that period, Erb said.

“It is exceptional that that program exists right here in the town of Exeter and it’s available for people in the region.”

United Way Perth Huron also backs the free tax clinics across the region.

The main reason people don’t file income tax is they are afraid they will owe the government money, Erb said. Almost every low-income person that has their return done through the program actually receives a refund.

One individual this year received a $17,000 tax credit and a total of $5.6 million was refunded from across the more than 2,000 income tax returns that were filed by volunteers on behalf of lower income residents in the region.

“That matters. It is one of our greatest poverty reduction strategies,” he said.

Asked at council what United Way is working on in South Huron as a new possible initiative, Erb said the biggest thing is housing.

United Way is currently raising money to purchase land from the Pentecostal Church at a deeply discounted rate to build a multi-storey affordable housing complex at the south end of Exeter.

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Thursday, May 21, 2026

Exeter Examiner

Dashwood Industries honours Clare Martene’s 50 years of service EXETER EXAMINER STAFF Staff Contribution

An afternoon pause on Thursday, April 30, transformed the production floor at Dashwood Industries into a moment of reflection and celebration as employees gathered to honour a milestone few will ever reach: Clare Martene’s 50th year with the company.

Marking five decades of continuous service, Martene’s career stands as a rare testament to dedication, adaptability and enduring commitment in an industry defined by constant change.

Martene joined Dashwood on April 5, 1976, at just 18 years old. At the time, Pierre Trudeau led the country, gasoline in Ontario cost roughly 15 cents per litre and workplace staples such as email and mobile phones had yet to emerge. Manufacturing relied heavily on manual processes, paper records and equipment far removed from today’s technology-driven operations.

Through decades of transformation, both within the company and across the manufacturing sector, Martene remained a constant presence.

He began his career supporting window production, working on early product lines that helped establish Dashwood as a major player in the Canadian window and door industry during a period when manufacturing was highly integrated.

Dashwood’s influence extended beyond production. As a major regional employer, the company helped build careers and foster community connections—something reflected in Martene’s own life. It was at Dashwood where he met his wife, Brenda, who also worked at the company.

Over the years, Martene’s career evolved alongside the business. He moved from production into creating product displays for home shows, later transitioning to the service department.

By 2006, he had returned to production, contributing to window lines under the

Andersen brand.

In 2010, when the company returned to Canadian ownership, Martene adapted once again, taking on specialized production roles before returning to service.

Since 2021, he has come full circle, supporting a wide range of in-house operations and serving as a trusted resource for colleagues across departments.

Colleagues consistently describe Martene with one word: loyalty.

As noted during the ceremony, that loyalty extends far beyond tenure. It reflects pride in workmanship, reliability among co-workers, dedication to customers and a personal standard of excellence maintained over decades.

His career mirrors the evolution of the industry itself, defined by change.

Through shifts in ownership, product lines, co-workers and facility locations from Centralia to Strathroy, both Dashwood and Martene have endured.

“Fifty years is more than time on a calendar,” one speaker remarked during the ceremony. “It represents consistency, resilience and the ability to adapt as everything around you changes.”

Colleagues shared their congratulations and pride in Martene’s achievement, while former co-workers and long-time associates also sent their regards.

In recognition of his service, Martene was presented with several tokens of appreciation, including a gift reflecting his passion for fishing and a family dinner held at Eddington’s in Exeter in his honour.

In an era where long-term tenure is increasingly uncommon, Martene’s journey serves as a reminder that organizations are built not only on products, but on the people behind them and the commitment they bring over a lifetime of work.

For Dashwood Industries, Clare Martene is not just part of its history. He helped build it.

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(DASHWOOD INDUSTRIES PHOTO)

Dashwood Industries took time on April 30 to celebrate Clare Martene’s 50th year at the company. From left are Dashwood Industries owner Scott Sallows, Clare Martene and Dashwood Industries owner Dennis Foran.

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lisa.thompsonco@pc.ola.org lisathompsonmpp.ca

Exeter Examiner

Thursday, May 21, 2026

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Local chapter marks 111 years of Order of the Eastern Star in Ontario

40 members of the Order of the Eastern Star’s Exeter Chapter met on April 27 at Ironwood Golf Course to celebrate the 111th anniversary of the Grand Chapter of Ontario. The Exeter Chapter #222 was instituted 88 years ago. During the lunch, greetings were extended from past grand matron Jeanie Lee, District 5 deputy grand matron Mary Wright and Exeter Chapter worthy matron and worthy patron Cathy and Glenn McRoberts.

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS)

Pictured with an Order of the Eastern Star birthday cake are Cathy and Glenn McRoberts, worthy matron and worthy patron of Exeter Chapter #222.

Next council urged to reassess growth forecasts JOHN MINER Examiner Reporter

South Huron councillor Wendy McLeod-Haggitt has some advice for the next municipal council regarding development.

Addressing a recent council meeting, McLeod-Haggitt said she has concerns about the current provincial direction, particularly through legislation such as the Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, Bill 98.

The thrust of the legislation to accelerate housing development is disconnected from the market conditions that are being experienced in South Huron, she said.

“At present, we are seeing new hous-

ing supply coming online that is not being absorbed at the expected pace, completed or near-completed homes remaining on the market longer than anticipated, increased anecdotal evidence of financial strain within the development sector, including multiple power of sale situations reported locally.”

At the same time, the municipality of South Huron is going ahead with significant capital infrastructure projects, particularly water and wastewater expansion, to support projected growth.

The situation raises the important question of whether the timing of infrastructure investments is aligned with actual market demand, McLeod-Haggitt said.

“In some cases, we may be advanc-

ing capital spending ahead of demonstrated needs, committing municipal funds to infrastructure that is not completely utilized, and increasing financial exposure at a time of economic uncertainty.”

McLeod-Haggitt said she is not questioning the need for growth or for infrastructure, but suggested council might need to start considering whether to defer or phase projects where demand is not yet evident.

For the next municipal council that will take over after the October elections, McLeod-Haggitt suggested that early in their term they should undertake a comprehensive review of capital spending priorities.

The new council should reassess the long-term growth forecasts in light of

changing economic conditions and ensure that infrastructure investment is closely tied to verified demand rather than projected targets alone.

“In the current environment it is worth recognizing that putting pipes in the ground does not automatically result in housing uptake,” she said.

Responding to McLeod-Haggitt, Coun. Aaron Neeb questioned staff if there were instances of developers looking elsewhere in the past because there wasn’t infrastructure to support their project.

Mike Rolph, building and planning services director, said there have been inquiries from developers for specific lands that are within South Huron’s settlement areas, but do not have available infrastructure at this time.

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Exeter Examiner

Rock the Range brings Newfoundland fun in support of MRI campaign CONTINUED FROM FRONT

performances, the Newfoundland theme was attached to Rock the Range from the connection with Team Reid McDonald’s.

Reid said his family had already been considering organizing a traditional Jiggs dinner fundraiser in Exeter to support the MRI campaign, but they saw an opportunity to bring something bigger to the community through Rock the Range.

McLaughlin said the potential of a collaboration quickly became obvious once they’d connected.

“We thought, ‘Why don’t we team up here?’” McLaughlin said.

The entertainment lineup isn’t the only Newfoundland-inspired offering for the evening.

Live screech-ins will be held throughout the evening, bringing the famous ceremony that is performed on non-Newfoundlanders to the event. Screech-ins traditionally involve drinking Newfoundland Screech rum and kissing a cod to make an individual an honorary Newfoundlander.

As well, McLaughlin said they have created ugly sticks, a Newfoundland instrument often made from broom handles or hockey sticks that is played as a percussion instrument, which will be auc-

tioned off through a silent auction.

Though the evening aims to be filled with lighthearted fun, the cause it supports is one Reid said will bring a vital piece of equipment to the region.

Over the next two years, the Magnetic Moments MRI campaign aims to raise $6.5 million for the purchase of an MRI to be installed at Alexandra Marine and General Hospital in Goderich to serve residents throughout the county and beyond.

Currently, residents who need access to an MRI are sent to larger centres such as London for imaging.

“All communities of Huron County are going to benefit from this,” said Reid, who also serves as a cabinet member for the campaign.

Since the campaign started in late 2025, communities in Huron County have rallied to contribute $2.5 million so far and are continuing to push closer to the halfway mark.

“It’s been amazing,” said Reid. “Not just in Goderich, but all over Huron County.”

With Rock the Range on the horizon, McLaughlin said they are looking to do their part in moving closer to that fundraising goal.

(DAN ROLPH PHOTO)

Rock the Range, the Newfoundland Kitchen Party Edition, will bring a night of Newfoundland-inspired fun to the White Squirrel Golf Club in Zurich on June 20 in support of the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital Foundation’s Magnetic Moments MRI campaign.

“We’re going to really try as hard as we can to put as much money in that pot as possible,” he said.

For more information about Rock the Range, or to purchase tickets, visit whitesquirrelgolfclub.com.

McDonald’s Goderich general manager recognized with national award DAN ROLPH Editor

The general manager of McDonald’s in Goderich is being recognized as one of the company’s top managers in Canada.

Amanda Walton, the general manager of the Goderich McDonald’s, has received the McDonald’s Outstanding Manager of the Year award for 2026, which is presented annually to the top five per cent of managers across the country.

“I’m honoured,” said Walton. “It’s definitely a privilege.”

For Walton, who has been with the company for around 15 years, it is the second time she has been recognized by McDonald’s for her leadership, having last received the same award in 2021.

McDonald’s Goderich owner Justin Reid said winning the award is already a notable achievement, but earning it twice is rare in Canada.

“It’s a pretty prestigious award,” he said.

Reid said Walton cares for the restaurant as if it were her own, and that her strong connection with her team makes

her an effective leader both in the workplace and the wider community.

“She’s just very good with people,” he said. “That’s the majority of leading the team.

“She’s very motivated in that area, and she’s very people driven. She likes to see her people succeed. She doesn’t like to take any credit for stuff. It’s all for her people.”

When asked what it was that led to her receiving the award, Walton credited her team. “(It was) the managers and the crew,” she said. “It’s definitely them and not me. They just make me look good.”

With 2025 particularly being challenging a challenging year at the Goderich location due to renovations, Reid said Walton was vital in ensuring things went smoothly through a 21-day shutdown and the restaurant’s reopening.

He said she kept the team connected and organized through the weeks-long closure and ensured they were supported throughout that time.

When the restaurant reopened, Reid said, the transition went smoothly thanks to Walton’s leadership.

“She got this place back open and energized,” he said.

(DAN ROLPH PHOTO)

McDonald’s Goderich general manager Amanda Walton has been recognized for her leadership as one of the company’s top managers, receiving the Outstanding Manager of the Year award. Pictured are Walton and McDonald’s Goderich owner Justin Reid.

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Exeter Examiner

Thursday, May 21, 2026

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Joint fire training exercise held at Lucan apartment building

Fire trucks were lined up outside an apartment building in Lucan on May 12 as firefighters from the Lucan Biddulph and South Huron fire departments participated in a set of training exercises. South Huron fire chief Jeremy Becker said the training had been in the works for about six months as they waited for better weather. The South Huron ladder truck was used to give Lucan Biddulph firefighters an opportunity to learn about what is needed for the truck to function, while also offering them a chance to climb the ladder that extends more than 100 feet.

In addition to using the ladder truck, firefighters were inside the complex to practice maneuvers inside an apartment.

Though the Lucan Biddulph fire department does not have a ladder truck, a mutual aid agreement makes the South Huron ladder truck accessible when it is needed. For the truck’s ladder to extend, it needs to be levelled.

The exercises also saw firefighters overviewing the use of a standpipe system, which allows for higher water pressure and supplies water inside the building.

(DAN ROLPH PHOTOS)

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Exeter Examiner

Local wildlife offers beauty, mystery, memorable photos and chances to learn Area trails, parks, conservation areas, off-the-beaten track country roads and even lawns and yards give opportunities to see native animals. Other species on the planet enrich our lives as we observe them and learn about them, how they live, survive and thrive. Respect the animals please. Do not invade their space or interrupt their activities and take photos from a distance.

(BY JUDY & BARRY JOHNSON)

RED FOX: This highly adaptable dog and coyote relative doesn’t always come in red. It can also be black, silver and reddish brown. A patient hunter for their varied diet including rodents and other small animals and birds, and even berries. The young, called kits, are adorably cute and playful, jumping over each other and exploring nooks and crannies near the den.

WHITE-TAILED DEER: This herbivore uses its namesake white tail to show it is startled, jumping high away at speed from feeding in meadows and fields to the safety of the forest.

Young fawns have white spotted coats. Adult males sport impressive antlers. Often when you spot deer, they are already looking at you. That begs the question: “Who is looking at whom?”

BEAVER: Like humans, but unlike other animals, beavers change their environment to better their living conditions. This industrious Ontario native builds dams by felling trees, turning a stream into a deep pond. These vegetarians do not hibernate in winter, living with their family in their lodge and eating food including buds and twigs they have stored nearby.

RACCOON: This omnivorous, highly intelligent native animal isn’t fussy about what food it eats. Its front toes that spread widely enable its forepaws to handle objects and get into various areas where it doesn’t belong. Equally at home in the country or urban areas, it loves to solve (and sometimes create) problems. Its black face mask reduces glare to improve low-light vision.

SNAPPING TURTLE: This prehistoric-looking creature is Ontario’s largest freshwater turtle, with some living over seventy years. Most of its diet in ponds is dead plants, fish and small animals, which helps keep the water clean. Its snapping and hissing are its protection because it cannot withdraw into its too-small shell. Females often lay from 25 to 45 eggs in a roadside nest site in gravel or dirt.

WHITE SQUIRREL: There are only a handful of places in North America where you will see this unusual animal. Most of the white squirrels in Canada live in Exeter area. Contrary to a widespread belief, these are not albino who have red eyes and no pigmentation. They are a genetic mutation. Curious, agile and playful, they enjoy the day on the ground or in trees.

Exeter Examiner

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Exeter Examiner

Police ask for public’s help identifying suspect in Grand Bend break-in EXETER EXAMINER STAFF Staff Contribution

Lambton County OPP are investigating a break-in at a local business and are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect involved in the incident.

Police said officers were dispatched to a Grand Bend business on Ontario

Street on May 4 at about 11 a.m. for a report of a break and enter. They said the investigation revealed that an unknown individual had gained entry to the business around 4 a.m. and that an undetermined amount of cash and other goods were stolen.

The suspect was described as a male wearing a mask, gloves and a hooded sweatshirt with “I (blue

heart) my crazy girlfriend” written on the front.

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information about the incident is being asked to contact Lambton County OPP at 1-888-3101122. They may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), where they be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

(LAMBTON COUNTY OPP PHOTO)

Police described the suspect as a male who was wearing a mask, gloves and a hooded sweatshirt.

St. Marys Independent The Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette

Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

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PUBLICATION DATES: PARIS INDEPENDENT: JUNE 3 | ST MARYS INDEPENDENT: JUNE 4 TILLSONBURG POST: JUNE 4 | WILMOT-TAVISTOCK GAZETTE: JUNE 4 SIMCOE ADVOCATE: JUNE 4 | EXETER EXAMINER: JUNE 4 STRATFORD TIMES: JUNE 5 | WOODSTOCK INGERSOLL ECHO: JUNE 5 GODERICH SUN: JUNE 11

JUNE IS SENIORS MONTH IN ONTARIO - a time to celebrate the seniors who continue to make a lasting impact in our communities.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to align your brand with the spirit of Seniors Month and connect with a passionate audience eager to celebrate the seniors who have made a lasting impact.

Reserve your space today!

June is Seniors Month Ontario Seniors — Let’s Get Moving ontario.ca/SeniorsMonth

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“I KNOW THE PAPER IS FREE, BUT CAN I GET A SUBSCRIPTION ANYWAYS?” Yes. We understand that some people might like the convenience of the Exeter Examiner arriving at their home (located near or far) through Canada Post, so we do have subscriptions available for this purpose.

Price for a subscription is $57.00 PER YEAR ($54.29 + GST).

To subscribe, please e-transfer granthavenmedia@gmail.com and include your full mailing address in the comments, or send a cheque with mailing address to Grant Haven Media, PO Box 2310, St. Marys, ON N4X1A2

Exeter Examiner

Thursday, May 21, 2026

Food Basics opens first store in Grand Bend

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(DEB LORD PHOTO)

Food Basics opened its new location in Grand Bend on May 7. During the grand opening, the new grocer in town donated $5,000 to the Grand Bend Food Pantry. In front from left are Dianne Tucker, Marg Alfieri, Debbie Procter and Judi Clark. In back from left are Cathy Wong, Patricia Sharpe, Lois Gill, Ralph Ganter of GBACHC and Lambton Shores Deputy Mayor Dan Sageman.

EXETER EXAMINER STAFF Staff Contribution

A new Food Basics location in Grand Bend, the Canadian grocery chain’s first in the community, opened its doors to the public May 7.

The new over 32,000 square foot store, located at 54 Main Street East, will employ a team of 90 people and is the discount banner’s 154th store in the province. The new store is the third of eight to open in 2026.

“We are excited to be able to bring Food Basics to the community of Grand Bend, offering more ways for residents to save on quality products,” said vice president of operations John Manax.

“No matter where you live, people are always looking for ways to save. Residents who may be first-time shoppers at Food Basics will get to know us as a discount grocer that is a reliable source for fresh, always in-stock, healthy food at great prices.”

According to a press release, the new store offers a tailored product selec-

(FOOD BASICS PHOTO)

With the opening of the new Food Basics store in Grand Bend, the community now boasts three different grocery stores.

tion to reflect the diversity of Lambton County and Southwestern Ontario.

“Our main goal is to provide our customers with the best discount shopping experience possible with the most value at the lowest prices possible,” said store manager Rob Firman. “I’m looking forward to opening our doors and welcoming everyone to our new and modern store here in Grand Bend.”

As part of the grand opening, Food Basics also donated $5,000 to the Grand Bend Food Pantry, which is also partnering with the store through One More

Bite, METRO’s food recovery program.

The program has distributed nearly 45 million kilograms of food between 2016 and 2025 to help fight food insecurity and keep waste out of landfills.

In a press release, Food Basics stated that the donation “will help support local families and strengthen Food Basics’ long‑standing commitment to fighting food insecurity.”

The new Food Basics store in Grand Bend will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Adopt a Turtle four-month fundraiser runs until September EXETER EXAMINER STAFF Staff Contribution

Ontario’s eight freshwater turtle species are all at risk. A local four-month fundraising campaign is encouraging people to donate to help protect them.

The fundraising campaign, called Adopt a Turtle, promotes donations to the Support the Turtles Protection Program to enhance wetland habitat for turtles. The campaign launched in May and continues until Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, the day of the annual hatchling release event at Morrison Dam Conservation Area east of Exeter.

There are three tiers of recognition for fundraising campaign supporters: Hatchling Hero ($20 donation) Adopt a Turtle ($50) Conservation Insider ($250 donation or higher) Donors at the upper levels receive recognition including a turtle-related gift package, a monthly email update following the progress of the turtle hatchlings and more.

Rosalind Chang is healthy watersheds co-ordinator with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA). She

said there is a tremendous amount of public interest in saving our turtle species and the Adopt a Turtle campaign is one of the ways people can help.

“This is a great way to make a real local difference with donations that help to create wetland habitat our turtles need,” she said. “We also want to thank the generous donors and make donating fun. That’s why we have lots of value-added items for each donation level.”

All of Ontario’s eight native turtle species can be found in the ABCA watershed area. Turtles are important links in food webs and provide essential ecological services.

Snapping turtles, for example, help to control aquatic vegetation and clean creeks and wetlands by eating algae and dead and decaying fish and other organisms. They also cycle nutrients and spread seeds which benefit other organisms.

To donate or to learn more, visit the ABCA website, abca.ca. Those interested in donating can also do so at the Ausable Bayfield Conservation office at 71108 Morrison Line (two kilometres east of Exeter) or by phoning 519-2352610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610.

(JORY MULLEN PHOTO)

Baby painted turtles before being released back into the wild. All of Ontario’s eight turtle species are at risk and are found in Ausable Bayfield watersheds.

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Thursday, May 21, 2026

Exeter Examiner

SPORTS

Exeter Hawks hold awards banquet and honour overagers

(THE EXETER HAWKS PHOTOS)

The Exeter Hawks honoured the players who are saying goodbye to the team by presenting them with their Hawks jerseys. From left are Coach Darren Kints, Danny Scott, Carter Bowerman, Ryder Livermore and coach Brendon Merritt.

With another season behind them, the Exeter Hawks honoured the players who made the 2025-26 season a strong one, as well as those who have stepped onto the ice as Hawks for the last time at the team’s annual awards banquet. Players across the roster were presented with awards in recognition of their determination and effort on the ice. From left are Coach Brendon Merritt, Trey Taylor (break through player award), Justin Skirten (best defensive forward award and Derry Boyle memorial playoff MVP award), Jimmy Schiedel (sportsmanship award), Carter Bowerman (hawk award), Ryder Livermore (best defenceman award), Harrison Meulensteen (Donny McKeller memorial team MVP award and scoring champ award), Jack Taylor (rookie of the year award) and coach Darren Kints.

Exeter Examiner

Thursday, May 21, 2026

MINOR SPORTS SCRAPBOOK (DAN ROLPH PHOTOS)

Dozens of young athletes were at the community soccer fields in Exeter on May 2 as Huron Perth Flag Football started its spring season of 2026. The local league was started in 2024 and organizes co-ed flag football games for children from ages six to 17 on Saturdays. From left are Hannah Levinson, Mackay Johnson and Cohen Meidinger of the Warriors division on the first day of games.

Vincent Hamilton chases Kase Van Den Temple as he scores a touchdown.

Hudson Van Den Hoven of the Warriors division winds up a pass.

Colton Donelle goes for the ball as Dante Arsenault makes a catch.

From left are Cameron Smith, Graydon Phillips and Lincoln Stuckhardt as they play in a match on May 2 in Exeter.

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Exeter Examiner

COLUMNS

Hensall in flames Aug. 11, 1900 — Close call in Kippen, 1903

BOB HEYWOOD Examiner Columnist

27 years after the Petty Brothers launched the establishment of the village of Hensall, the fledgling Zurich newspaper, less than one month in operation, carried the above headline on their front page.

The Zurich Herald, calling itself the “Official News Organ of Zurich and Hay Township” reported the shocking news that the business portion of the Town of Hensall had almost been wiped out. Preliminary estimates placed the total loss at about $20,000.

That certainly seems like a minuscule amount to us in 2026, but to those pioneer merchants it would weigh heavy on their ledgers. As usual, some were well insured and others had none.

The Zurich Herald continued: “About 2:30 a.m. a disastrous fire swept through the business portion of Hensall. Our thriving village which for so many years has escaped the ravage of the fiery element, save the flax mill a few years ago and a few minor fires, was on Saturday morning visited by a conflagration which laid to the ground a long row of business establishments.

The fire started at W.C. Davis grocery store and spread rapidly soon engulfing the neighbouring buildings which all stood in one block on the south side of the street.”

They were all frame structures which had served the owners and the general public well for nearly three decades. After first notice of the flames, in an incredibly short time the whole row of buildings was a massive inferno. The destroyed portion was bounded on

the east by the Oddfellow’s block and on the west by the McEwen’s block. If it had not been that these two buildings were brick, the fire would have most certainly accomplished much more damage.

The weather during the preceding week had been very hot and everything was as dry as a tinder. When the fire was first noticed, the wind was from the south and luckily turned southwest, or the loss would have been much heavier on the north side of the street. The buildings directly opposite the fire suffered mostly through the breakage of plate glass windows. These included F.C. and J.E. McDonell, James Pickard, F.C. Arnold, E. Rannie, G.F. Youngblut, J. Macarthur, Miss Carlisle and W.R. Hodgins. 23 plate glass windows in all were destroyed.

The mass of flame completely destroyed Macarthur and Co.’s private bank; J.C. Stoneman’s jewellery and bookstore, together with the public library and central telephone office; W.C. Davis’ boot and shoe and grocery stores; A. McPherson’s residence and tailor and gent’s furnishings store; Miss Smith’s millinery store.

The above-mentioned bank had recently been refitted and had an addition built to it. As nicely furnished as any bank in the county, the firm lost everything except the money, books and valuable papers locked in the vaults. All the municipal records were destroyed as Mr. Stoneman, the village clerk, kept them in his private office. The Rannie block was on fire several times as also were Dr. Buchanan’s building and T.J. Berry’s livery and feed stable. J.C. Clausin’s harness shop in the Oddfellow’s block had a narrow escape as one of the fireproof shutters on his back window was open and the flames several times threatened his stock.

Clausin’s leather stock as

well as the Oddfellow’s furnishings on the second floor suffered mostly smoke and water damage.

Lawyer Cook is minus a front entrance to his office and will have to use the back stairway for a while.

The McPhersons were the only family living in the block and escaped only with scant clothing. Their parlor furniture was saved.

The Exeter Times reported: “It was only by the strenuous efforts of the young men who laboured like Trojans, that the fire was confined to the burning section. The buildings across the street and others throughout the town were ignited several times from burning embers carried by the high prevailing wind.

Several of the boys drove out from Zurich, but were too late to be of much assistance. The town fathers felt that the hand pumper engine and the portable tank system recently installed, supported by the many willing workers, gave thorough satisfaction, without which there would have been but little of Hensall standing today.”

According to the Exeter Times and the Zurich Herald, the cause of the disaster was still a mystery at the time of the report.

Fortunately, there were no casualties. J.C. Stoneman, while endeavouring to save his property, was rendered unconscious by the heat and smoke and was carried from his building by Reeve Arnold and Mr. McPherson. He fully recovered.

Fred Laing ran amuck, a bucket falling from a roof and had the “bark taken off the bridge of his nose.” He also pulled through.

For several days, the smoldering ruins became a tourist attraction for a curious public coming from every direction. Within days Mr. Davis had reopened a store in the Marshall block. Macarthur and Co. were fully equipped and operating in Clausin’s harness shop. The jeweller, Stoneman, was occupying

part of Pope’s tailor shop and A. MacPherson and Miss Smith moved west of the tracks to Petty’s block until more suitable premises could be secured or new buildings erected. Others were already making arrangements to rebuild in their old sites. The town fathers saw some advantage in that destruction of the old clap board, frame buildings would create sites for new brick structures which would add materially to the already fine appearance of King Street.

Hensall did bounce back and with many new brick storefronts, and with the advent of grain and bean mills and elevators, the bustling little railroad town became a hustler for mercantile and farm trade.

One bright spot in the Hensall disaster was that a $200 shipment of new books for the Hensall library failed to be delivered as planned that fateful day. They rested, free from flame and smoke, at the railway station just a few hundred yards away, destined to be the beginnings of the next literary venture in the village that almost burned.

Three years later and two miles up the road more than 100 people were packed into the Sunday School rooms of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Kippen the evening of Nov. 24, 1903. What started as a festive social occasion was suddenly converted into one of utter confusion and dismay.

St. Andrews had celebrated their annual anniversary service just two days earlier and the Tuesday evening gathering was to honour the Sunday School children with a special supper.

The attendees had been seated enjoying their meal and visiting for about one hour, when suddenly the usually quiet little hamlet became the scene of a deafening explosion. The accident was caused by a yet unexplained rupture and ignition of acetylene gas.

This gas plant had been in operation at the church for some time and it was under the control of the caretaker of the sanctuary, Mr. William Moore. He supposedly had a thorough knowledge of its operation and maintenance. The caretaker was in the basement standing near the gas appliance when the apparatus exploded into a ball of fire. Moore was so terribly burned, he was unable to give an account of the mishap, suffering great agony from the burns all over his body.

Rev. McLennan was also nearby at the time and was likewise seriously burned.

He was also suffering from shock. Mrs. James McLean and Miss Nellie Cooper, who were among the assistants at the children’s feast, were injured by flying debris and counted to be seriously hurt. A few of the names of the scholars who were innocent victims of the disaster were Ella Elgie, Alice Taylor, Flora Taylor and Linn Cooper.

The Sunday School rooms and the basement beneath them were assessed to be completely wrecked. The structure was of good yellow kilned brick but the tremendous power of the explosion “bore it as if it had been a matchstick.”

Owing to the very inadequate means of lighting up the scene, the work of the able rescuers was greatly subdued.

The Exeter Times reported: “The men and women who joined in the task of bringing relief to the injured, stumbled over heaps of debris, nervously using lanterns to aid in their work.”

The cries of the little children in distress helped guide the rescuers in their search, however, many were rendered unconscious.

Several children were lifted from the wreckage looking more dead than alive. Their once spotless frocks were now sadly torn and soiled with soot and blood flowing from open wounds.

Most of the congregants

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had never faced this type of challenge, however, their not-so-well-trained hands applied what old home remedies they could muster. Several physicians were summoned and carried to the disaster scene with all speed. According to the Zurich Herald, seven or eight people, old and young were severely burned. The Zurich reporter wrote that initially a fowl supper was planned for the night before the tragedy but due to rough weather, it was decided to cancel the Monday night event. When the weather improved Tuesday morning, the ladies quickly sent word throughout the community that the banquet would occur that night.

The Exeter Times account of the personal testimony of the victims recorded: “There was one terrific burst of flame, one loud roar, and a well-lighted, well arranged dining hall became a mass of ruin with frantic human beings struggling over and under the debris in an effort to escape. Others were pinned down and unable to move.”

One victim shared: “It was heartrending to hear the frightful, pitiful screams of the children who formed the greater part of the victims. Some of them were not greatly hurt, but all were terrified.”

One can only imagine the measure of praise and thanksgiving that welled up inside the hearts of the pioneer Presbyterians of Kippen. Not one life was lost, and the children were all safe. They would never forget the trauma of that night.

Perhaps they would conjure that the same fourth man who showed up in the fire with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the days of Daniel the Prophet, had surely been present at St. Andrews that terrifying evening of Nov. 24, 1903.

Kippen’s fiery experience would certainly add new precision to that ancient story in the Old Testament.

Exeter Examiner

Thursday, May 21, 2026

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OH, THE PLACES WE’LL GO: Uncovering a dark story in Canadian history

PAUL KNOWLES Examiner Columnist

We couldn’t help noticing a collection of large boulders scattered around the park in front of the Steveston Tram museum. My friend Rod called me over, and pointed to an inscription on the first of the boulders.

“Steveston Nikkei Memorial,” it read, in large letters.

“Nikkei” refers to people of Japanese descent who are living outside Japan.

Steveston is the community at the extreme south end of Richmond, British Columbia, which in turn is just south of Vancouver. We were in Steveston as part of a tour of the area, during the 2026 Travel Media Association of Canada annual conference, which was hosted by Richmond.

The Nikkei Memorial was set up in 2019, and the first inscription explains, “This Nikkei Memorial marks the 75th anniversary of the forced removal of Steveston’s Japanese Canadian community in 1942, during World War II.” This is something those of us who live in southwestern Ontario don’t hear a lot about. In fact, this is only one of many stories of racism and cruelty that are glossed over or ignored in our comfortable communi-

ties. Think about the treatment of Black people escaping slavery via the “Underground Railway”, who were not, in fact, well received in Ontario. Or the shipload of German Jews who were barred from landing in Canada, and who Prime Minister Mackenzie King sent back to Germany to die in concentration camps. Or First Nations people who continue to bear the scars of systemic maltreatment by the Canadian government.

I have come to believe that travelling should involve significant doses of both entertainment and education. And sometimes, that education involves rather shocking revelations. I learned a lot during my brief visit to Steveston. The first lessons came from the stone monuments in that Nikkei Memorial.

During World War II, those in power decided that people of Japanese descent were a potential threat, since Canada was officially at war with Japan. In Richmond, alone, more than 2,000 Nikkei residents were relocated to internment camps in the interior of British Columbia, or to farms in Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario. Even more astonishing, some Canadian-born Nikkei people were deported to Japan, a country where they had never lived.

It gets worse. World War II ended in 1945, but it took four more years before the Nikkei were permitted to return to the B.C. coast. Surprisingly, some did!

Evidence of this officially-sanctioned atrocity is everywhere in Steveston. We visited the Britainnia Shipyards National Historic Site, and the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. A poi-

gnant poster about BC Packers explains, “At the height of the canning industry there were European, First Nations, Chinese, Japanese and Indian workers all working on the site…. A surprising number of women worked here, some keeping their babies with them during the work day.”

But… “rigid racial separation was considered normal.” And, come 1942, all of the Nikkei people were gone. There had been 250 families living on the Steveston waterfront. Then there were none.

At the Britannia Shipyards, we visited the small wooden home of Otokichi and Asayo Murakami and their ten children. Otokichi was a prominent shipbuilder and fisher; Asayo worked on the canning lines, and was a devoted gardener. Their family moved into the home in 1929, and they thrived… until 1942, when they were sent into internment.

As noted, some of the Nikkei actually returned to their communities when that was allowed, in 1949 – some years later than this happened in the United Stares. But they came back to nothing – their homes and their fishing boats had been seized by the government and sold, mainly to white buyers.

The money raised was brazenly allocated by the Canadian government to pay for the cost of the Nikkei’s internment.

There was evidence of this dark period in Canada’s history all over Steveston, which is otherwise a delightful small community. But the good news is… there is that evidence. The story of the Nikkei is being told, in these historic sites. And finally,

A sculpture outside the Gulf of Georgia Cannery honours workers, including a Japanese woman.

(PAUL KNOWLES PHOTOS)

The gardening work of Asayo Murakami is continued today by staff of the Britannia Shipyards site.

since 2022, it has been included in the history curriculum in British Columbia schools. Better very late than never, I suppose.

And it turns out, the Nikkei story is not the only account of blatant prejudice that visitors discover at these meaningful historic sites. We also learned about the Chinese head tax, which had its greatest impact in British Columbia. Today, the City of Richmond’s population is 70% of Asian origin.

Chinese workers were welcomed during construction of the railway, especially the Canadian Pacific Railway which linked western Canada to the east. But when the railway was completed, white Canadians no longer wanted to share “their country” with Chinese immigrants. The head tax was implemented by the Canadian government. At first, any person of Chinese origin immigrating

to Canada had to pay $50. By 1900, it was $100. Three years later, it climbed to $500 (more than a year’s salary). Yet hopeful Chinese people paid (about 81,000 people up to 1923), often borrowing the money from employers. Imagine what happened to those people when the shipbuilding and cannery businesses shut down.

I had heard about Japanese internment, and vaguely knew of a “head tax”, whatever that meant. But my day as a tourist in Steveston was an eye-opening one, an experience I highly recommend to any traveller.

Not a lot of laughter, but a very healthy dose of learning.

Paul Knowles is an author and travel writer, and Past-President of the Travel Media Association of Canada. To contact Paul about travel, his books, or speaking engagements, email pknowles@golden.net.

The boulders in the Nikkei Memorial, which commemorate the internment from 1942-1949, come from Québec – the farthest point in Canada where Nikkei internees were unwillingly sent.

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Thursday, May 21, 2026

Exeter Examiner

MEMORIAL WINDOWS OF CREDITON UNITED CHURCH: Great love hath no man…

DAVID YATES Examiner Columnist

On May 21, 1922, at the dedication service for the newly built Crediton Methodist Church, Rev. Thomas Blatchford held a special evening service to unveil the Memorial window honouring the parish’s war dead.

It was an especially poignant moment for Rev. Blatchford as two of his sons’ names were etched into the glass.

For a church in a tiny village to lose five parishioners was indicative of the sacrifices made by the Great War generation.

Each town, village and hamlet debated on how best to honour the dead. The Methodist Church Women and the Young Peoples’ Society raised the funds.

They commissioned famed Toronto artist William James Meikle. He was a stained-glass maker at Robert McClausand’s studio and Meikle chose the appropriate themes of Sacrifice, Remembrance and Resurrection.

The centre piece of the triptych window depicts Jesus resurrecting a dead soldier, and fittingly, the window faces east.

In Christian tradition, the Resurrection will come from the east.

Flanked on either side of the Christ figure are two soldiers presumably already raised. At their feet are sprays of red poppies, and interestingly, white poppies which were the symbols of pacificism.

Directly underneath the centre piece is the scripture verse from John 15:13 that: “Greater love hath no man, than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Under the verse were the names of the five men who had been members of the congregation killed in the Great War. Its allegorical meaning was not lost on the densely packed church. For Rev. and Mrs. Blatchford, the moment must have been bittersweet.

Their 30-year-old son Thomas had been an estate broker before he enlisted in May 1915.

On April 26, 1916, Captain Thomas Blatchford was killed defending his trench in a German raid.

His brother, 23-year-old Ewart Blatchford, was a teacher when he attested in May 1916.

A junior officer’s life in trench warfare was short-lived, it was a miracle that Captain Ewart Blatchford had survived the battles of Arras, Vimy, Hill 70 and Passchendaele. He was

killed on August 27, 1918, in the 100 Days battles.

Private William Henry Walker, a local drug clerk, was just shy of his 18th birthday when he enlisted in January 1915 in the 161st Huron Battalion.

He must have been eager to join the fight because, in June 1916, he transferred from the Canadian Army Medical Corps to the 4 Canadian Mounted Rifles, which served primarily as an infantry unit. After several months of trench warfare, in December, Walker was killed by shell fire on December 19, 1916.

Norman Wellington Johns, aged 20, was an Usborne Township farmer. He volunteered with the 161st Huron battalion in March 1916.

He was wounded in May 1917 and returned to duty. On October 26, 1917, at Passchendaele, he received gunshot wounds to the neck and back.

On November 4, he died of those wounds.

A letter to his mother described Johns as a good man with “good heart as a true British hero always does. He died a true hero to save his loved ones at home.”

As a 22-year-old farmer, Wilson Culbert could have stayed home to produce food for the war effort. Instead, his friend Norman Johns convinced Culbert to enlist during “Catch my Pal” week.

When they arrived overseas, Culbert and Johns were soon split when the 161st battalion was broken up in England to provide reinforcements for depleted frontline battalions.

Johns was sent to the 58th battalion and Culbert was transferred to the 47th battalion.

Private Culbert was killed on September 3, 1918, in the Hundred Days battles.

On May 21, 1922, the day the window was unveiled, the belief that the Great War was the ‘War to End All Wars’ was universally accepted. No one thought on that May Sunday when the names were unveiled that a second war would call the next generation of Canadians to arms.

One young parishioner who may have attended the unveiling was Donald Elliott Hicks, the son of Andrew and Maud Hicks.

Donald, 25, enlisted in the RCAF in September 1940. After his initial flight training at Sky Harbour, Sgt.-Pilot Hicks served as an instructor at several air stations until January 1943 when he was posted over-

seas.

Flt. Lieutenant Hicks wrote to his parents that he was stationed in Scotland and thought it more like home than anywhere he had been.

In a bombing run over Dusseldorf on the night of November 3, Flt. Lieut. Hicks Halifax bomber was destroyed. Its crew of seven declared missing until German authorities confirmed that all aboard were killed.

At the request of his parents, his headstone has “Our Gallant Don, He Died for His Faith” inscribed on it.

Clifford W. Hicks was the son of Byron and Loretta Hicks.

He volunteered for the RCAF in early 1942 and trained as a fighter pilot.

In November 1943, Pilot Officer Hicks married Agnes Isobel Forbes at Ottawa’s Southminster United Church. His marital bliss was interrupted when the demands of the war sent P/O Hicks overseas in early 1944.

Hicks was promoted and posted to RCAF 440 Squadron.

RCAF 440 Squadron flew Typhoons, a fast, low flying and

highly maneuverable aircraft which provided close air support to the infantry and armour.

On August 8, 1944, Operation Totalize was launched in Normandy. It was still another effort to break through enemy lines.

During the opening stages of the operation, Flt./Lieut. Hick’s echelon of five planes proceeded to make a dive bomb run when, according to the official report, Hick’s plane received “a direct hit and immediately burst into flames.”

The official report stated that Hick’s aircraft hit the ground going 450 mph and exploded into pieces. His death was reported, like so many, in the local paper but it is hard to gauge the depth of the grief the parents and siblings must have experienced. Their inscription on their son’s headstone was “Always will Honour Your Name and Your Glory.”

The last name etched on the Crediton Memorial Window is Private Raymond Frederick Weiberg, of Dashwood, he was the son of Karl and Della

Weiberg.

He was enlisted in the Perth Regiment, an infantry regiment, then taking heavy casualties slogging it out in the Italian hills and valleys.

On Dec. 20, the Canadians attempted a river crossing which was stopped by accurate enemy mortar and machine gun fire. In the confused fighting that followed, Fred Weiberg was killed.

Besides his parents, a young widow was left to mourn his loss. The inscriptions on his headstone in Italy read: “He is Gone to the Land Beyond Where There is No Sorrow”.

His widow had: “Till We Meet Again” inscribed as well.

The Second World War names were inscribed in the window in 1947. There are few now who can remember the names on the window as living flesh and blood.

Yet, that was the point of Crediton United Church’s Memorial Window; keeping high the torch of remembrance long after the last warrior has gone lest what we forget, we repeat.

(BONNIE SITTER PHOTO)

Centre panel of the Crediton United Church Memorial window depicts Christ resurrecting one of the soldiers.

Resurrection, Sacrifice and Remembrance were common themes in commemorative art after the Great War. The names of the dead are etched in the bottom centre panel.

Exeter Examiner

Thursday, May 21, 2026

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Community Living Month: Building belonging together in South Huron May is Community Living Month, a time to recognize something both simple and powerful: everyone belongs in community.

This year’s Community Living Month campaign, #WeAllBelong, reflects what communities across Ontario continue to say loud and clear: belonging matters. More than a slogan, the campaign highlights lived experiences, celebrates inclusion already happening in our communities, and shines a light on the people and places helping make belonging real.

Inclusion that looks like everyday life

At its heart, CLSH is not simply about providing services. It is about supporting people to live where they choose, work where they are valued, and participate fully in community life.

That support takes many forms, including residential supports, supported independent living, and community participation programs. While every person’s goals and needs are different, the focus remains the same: choice, dignity, independence, and connection.

In a rural community like South Huron, inclusion often happens in familiar places. It may look like a local employer embracing inclusive hiring practices. It may be a recreation program adapting so everyone can participate. Sometimes it is as simple as neighbours taking time to connect and build relationships.

These everyday moments are where inclusion becomes real.

People first, always

Behind every support plan is a person with goals, interests, talents, and relationships that extend far beyond any service system.

One person supported through Community Living Ontario recently shared that being part of their community means “having places I go where people know me, not just know of me.”

Inclusion is often quieter than people expect. It is not always a major milestone or public moment. Sometimes it is someone gaining confidence to try something new, finding meaningful work, or discovering a place where they feel comfortable being themselves.

Part of a wider movement

CLSH is one of many agencies across the province connected through Community Living Ontario, a network that advocates for inclusive communities and stronger supports for people with developmental disabilities.

Across the sector, important advocacy priorities continue to include:

• Increasing access to safe and affordable housing • Expanding inclusive employment opportunities • Strengthening community-based supports • Advancing rights-based, person-centred approaches • Reducing barriers that limit full participation in community life While many of these conversations happen at a provincial level, their impact is deeply local. Every improvement in access, opportunity, or support creates ripple effects throughout communities like ours.

Looking ahead

Community Living Month is both a celebration and a reminder that inclusion is ongoing work. Progress is built through small, consistent actions that create lasting change over time.

The focus remains steady: supporting people to live meaningful lives in the communities they call home while continuing to build understanding, opportunity, and connection alongside local partners.

Our roots

Since 1968, Community Living South Huron has advocated for people with developmental disabilities in our community.

What began as a small group of parents who believed their children deserved independent and fulfilling lives has grown into an organization supporting more than 100 people and employing approximately 120 staff members across South Huron.

Ways to get involved

There are many ways community members can support inclusion in South Huron: • Volunteer your time and talents • Explore career opportunities within the developmental services sector • Support fundraising initiatives such as the annual Golf Classic • Advocate for inclusion and accessibility within the community • Follow and share CLSH initiatives on social media • Partner with us to make a meaningful difference in the community

To learn more about CLSH, visit www.clsh.ca

CLSH was recently recognized as the Busness of the Year (Over 15 Employees) at the 2025 South Huron Business & Community Excellence Awards.

This award is a tremendous honour and a reflection of the collective effort of our entire organization. While only eight representatives were able to attend the gala, this recognition truly belongs to all of our staff and volunteers. Each member of our team plays an essential role in creating a culture of excellence, compassion, and inclusion — values that define CLSH and guide everything we do.

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Thursday, May 21, 2026

Exeter Examiner

ABOUT TIME AND TIMES: Hope chests and trousseau teas

JUDY FINKBEINER JOHNSON Examiner Columnist

Years before and just before their daughter’s wedding, my family continued two generations-old traditions — hope chests and trousseau teas. This column is bound to bring back fond memories for those with similar experiences that took place at least until the 1970s in this area. For younger generations, perhaps there is inspiration for girls-only parties, whether to celebrate an upcoming wedding, a special anniversary, the joyfully anticipated arrival of a baby or simply to enjoy the vibe of decades-old elegance.

T H E H O P E C H E ST Like many girls of my age at that time, I received a special piece of furniture. My parents bought me a Lane Cedar chest, meticulously crafted with an exterior of beautifully finished hardwood and cedar-lined interior.

Mom and Dad encouraged learning, and each of us four children received a desk for studying. I had already been

given my desk, placed in front of my upstairs bedroom window looking out over farm fields. During summer, sheer white curtains danced there in the cooling breeze.

I’ve now learned that the new addition to my bedroom was known as a hope chest, a girls-only object with one specific purpose. To be filled over years with household items for a girl with the hope of marriage someday and establishing her own home. From my vantage point now, that name has a mixture of lovely memories over years tinged with a rueful mental headshake about how a successful future then for a young woman was envisaged.

Like touted in many fairy tales, it suggested that it was essential for a Prince Charming to enter the frame for a woman’s fulfillment and happiness. Mmm…

PURPOSE H I ST O RY

AND

The purpose of a hope chest was to contain a trousseau, from the Old French word, “trousse,” meaning a collection of things bound together. Relatives and friends gave gifts to add to the chest on birthdays and Christmases and later the young woman also added her own purchases.

Luxury items in the chest were as specific as the ingredients in a recipe. In a pattern selected by the future bride-tobe, crystal goblets and glasses, silver tableware and fine china were added to the chest a piece at a time. My chest also con-

tained fabric works of art, crochet-embellished pillowcases, hand-made quilts, embroidered table runners and decorative cloths.

In a time when luxury was expensive and we were raised by parents who had lived through the Great Depression and the Second World War, it was common to “save” assorted items from the trousseau for very special occasions only. Case in point: two marriages and more than a dozen household moves later, my set of thirty-two crystal glasses is in pristine condition, seldom used and safely stored behind a china cabinet door. Not being dishwasher safe as well as being lead crystal, it is doubtful anyone in the next generation would think of using them, understandably. I might just wash a couple up for drinks at dinner. I’m not sure which ones are proper when serving pizza!

THE T EA

T RO US S EAU

Centuries ago, a trousseau was a portion of a dowry to enhance a woman’s appeal for a future husband. In Queen Victoria of England’s time, trousseau teas became an opportunity to display a family’s ability to provide for a daughter who would be establishing her own home.

In southwestern Ontario until about a half-century ago, the trousseau tea remained popular, especially in close-knit rural communities. In this area this social occasion was for two

(BARRY JOHNSON PHOTOS)

Some of my hope chest trousseau items with wonderful memories. The quilt is a tree of life made by Aunt Ruby Barratt Avison.

main reasons.

First, while weddings were large, they were not large enough to include all of the friends and relatives who couldn’t be invited to the wedding and reception. The female-only trousseau tea, held in the bride’s childhood home, was an opportunity for many more to enjoy the excitement and celebrate an upcoming wedding.

Also, rather than unpacking, showing and repacking again and again after showing a couple of people the items at a time, at a trousseau tea all of the hope chest items, gifts from bridal showers, wedding gifts and the bride-to-be’s personal trousseau including honeymoon clothing items were on display.

It was not unusual for an entire house to be spruced up over months to prepare for the trousseau tea — decorating involving new wallpaper and repainting.

My mom was an exceptionally talented domestic perfectionist.

I still cannot imagine how she managed to accomplish every detail for that day. Each bedroom and the parlor had displays, and the living room was the setting for tea service. The kitchen was a beehive of activity for food and tea preparation.

T EA D R E S S T R EAT S

AND

For the elegant trousseau tea afternoon come-and-go social event, girls and women chose to wear their best day dresses, completing their ensembles with delicate little hats (maybe the precur-

sors of fascinators?). Attendees interacted with others they knew or just met with polite conversation. Decorum was the unspoken rule of the day.

Tea was served from two ornate silver tea services, each presided over by one of my beloved greataunts. It was an honour to be invited to “pour tea.” Treasured bone-china cups and saucers were used, as well as tea plates where guests put little sandwiches and decadent desserts selected from tiered serving stands.

Pastel-coloured breads were used to create pinwheel and other fancy, no-crust, single- and twobite sandwiches.

Fresh flowers in vases completed the visual table treats. Brownie cameras captured the scene of a young woman’s once-in-a-lifetime event.

I cherish the memories of that day and all the love shown in my mother’s and other dear ones’ work that went into that special occasion and the attendance by so many inspiring women. That frozen-in-time image of being surrounded by generations from great-grandmothers to young girls, everyone linked in that timeless occasion, remains a treasure.

The key words that come to mind about that trousseau tea are hospitality, caring, sharing, good taste, class, elegance, celebration and etiquette.

And oh, such love to carry forward for a lifetime! I am blessed.

N EX T C O LUM N

Family-tree weddings over generations, white lace and promises, satin and some silliness!

Grandma Estrella Zinn Finkbeiner received this German teapot on her 16th birthday and gave it to me on the day I turned 16.

Exeter Examiner

Thursday, May 21, 2026

MENTORING MATTERS: Why we do all that we do

AMY WILHELM Examiner Columnist

As preparations begin for our annual general meeting and I reflect back on 2025, I often find myself revisiting thoughts from years past. Looking back on everything accomplished is never a simple exercise, yet it is always accompanied by a sense of amazement, wondering how so

much was achieved in just one year with such a small staff team.

Last year, I took a different approach in my address. Rather than focusing solely on numbers and deliverables, I chose to focus on a single word: “Why.” This week, I would like to share those reflections once again.

Every year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Huron (BBBSSH) dedicates great time to creating and our sharing our annual report. This report reminds us all of why we are here; why we work so hard, why we are so passionate and why we believe in the value of mentoring. However, it can be so very easy for us to get caught up in the day-to-day operations of running programming, monitoring

our matches, training volunteers, supporting our families, planning the next fundraiser, applying for grants, answering e-mails, the list goes on and on (and in fact, just never seems to end).

Oftentimes, it is good to take a step back and focus on why we do what we do and why our volunteers choose to give their time to Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Huron. What is the impact? Why are we Bigger Together? Why do we do all that we do?

Here is my why, here is the need: mentorship ensures that every child gets an equal opportunity to realize their full potential. We base our work around the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets (DAs) framework.

The DAs are 40 research-based,

Where did all the bugs go?

JASON RAMSAY-BROWN Examiner Columnist

Camping trips to Ontario’s wilderness have always been full of rituals. Resealing the tent seams. Picking the perfect hiking stick. Cocoa around the campfire. Most of these rituals have been with me from childhood to the present, with one notable exception: scraping splattered bugs off the windshield.

Nowadays, even on the long trip from “Ontario’s West Coast” to Algonquin Park, I never need to turn the wipers on unless it rains.

This popped into my head when my neighbour started talking about monarch butterflies the other day. Born in St. Mary’s, wandering his neighbourhood as a kid in the 1970s meant a visit to a large, old tree near his home. At the right time of year, its branches would be thick with quivering masses of monarch butterflies, hundreds of them roosting together.

Last summer, I was thrilled to have spotted three monarchs visiting the milkweed in my garden at the same time.

Of course, a couple of stories from personal experience isn’t any sort of meaningful evidence for anything.

In the largest international study on long-term insect de-

cline yet conducted, researchers in Germany reviewed data from 1,676 sites worldwide that suggests we’ve lost 25 per cent of our land-dwelling insects over the last 93 years.

A March 2025 article in the journal Science states that butterfly abundance in North America fell 22 per cent across 554 species between 2000 and 2020.

A 2018 study by scientist, Brad Lister, notes at least a 75 per cent loss of ground insects in the Luquillo rainforest over the previous 35 years.

From a subalpine meadow in Colorado, associate professor of biology at UNC-Chapel Hill, Keith Sockman, estimates a 72 per cent drop in flying insects between 2004 and 2024. It seems like every time we turn over a leaf, we’re finding fewer bugs there than ever before.

We curse the bees that invade our barbecues. We rage against the ants that invade our kitchens. But, like it or not, our entire natural world and human civilization itself is hopelessly dependent on insects.

Roughly 85 per cent of the world’s flowering plants depend on insects for pollination.

As this inventory of plants includes some 40 per cent of our crops, the first pollinator that springs to many minds will be the European honey bee. Other relationships may be less obvious. Only our beefy native bumblebees have the fortitude to push their way into the tightly sealed flowers of the closed bottle gentian.

Pawpaw trees rely mostly on flies and beetles. Even the lowly ant pollinates plants as they scurry around in search of food.

positive experiences and qualities that influence young people’s development, helping them to become caring, responsible and productive adults. After all, they are our future!

The more assets that young people have, the less likely they are to engage in a wide range of high-risk behaviours and the more likely they are to thrive and reach their full potential. For over 100 years, the Big Brothers Big Sisters movement has been championing the health and wellbeing of youth. We step in to help prevent the physical and mental effects of adverse childhood experiences. We ensure that youth ages six to 17 are supported by caring adults, helping them to do better in life and build resilience — physically,

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mentally, socially, emotionally and academically.

Supportive Relationships + Skill-Building Opportunities + Positive Experiences = Resilience Sometimes, a single connection can make all the difference.

If you have ever considered becoming more involved with BBBSSH, there has never been a better time.

Perhaps you have asked yourself, “Why should I?” or wondered “Why should my child get involved?”

We hope these reflections help answer those questions and inspire you to take that next step.

We are only a phone call, email or visit away. Join us and become part of something truly #BiggerTogether.

Beneath our feet, insects like worms, termites and pill bugs contribute to the fertility of our soils. They deliver nutrients as they consume organic matter like leaves and fallen wood.

They loosen soil, welcoming in air and water as they burrow and tunnel through the earth.

They are great engineers of soil structure, vital architecture mostly invisible to the humans that trample above them.

Of course, bugs are themselves an important food source (JASON RAMSAY-BROWN PHOTO) for countless species of wild- Global studies are finding severe drops in the number of flying and life. In his 2019 book “Nature’s land-dwelling insects.

Best Hope: A New Approach Ontario’s 2009 cosmetic pes- dragging of feet. to Conservation That Starts in ticides ban has reduced usage Certainly, every little bit Your Yard” noted entomologist of specific pesticides through- helps. Doing what we can in Douglas Tallamy suggests that out the province. National re- our own backyards and fields a single nest of chickadees will strictions on neonicotinoids, a makes a difference, and local consume up to 9,000 caterpil- significant threat to pollinators, action means local benefits. lars before the brood reaches can be seen in a similar light. But, as studies have shown, infull maturity. One little brown Monarch butterflies may have sect populations are declining bat is thought to eat 1,000 or enjoyed some reprieve when even in the most remote of lomore mosquito-sized insects common milkweed was finally cations. Ontario is over 50 per each hour. Opossums hunt for removed from the noxious weed cent Crown Land and Canada ticks. Skunks dig for grubs. A list in 2014. However, the ben- almost 90 per cent. Local soludecline in insects means a de- efits of such regulatory changes tions will only carry us so far. cline in all wildlife from one are famously hard to measure, To stop insect decline we end of the food web to the other. and recent studies show no rea- need to more aggressively Given the catastrophic conse- son to pat ourselves on the back pursue solutions that deliver quences we face if insect pop- for a job well done. wide-reaching improvements ulations continue their decline, This time of year, our social to our natural ecosystems. This common sense says we need media feeds are full of “Leave means addressing issues like to do something about it, and the Leaves” and “No Mow climate change, pollution and soon. Arguably we are, albeit May” messaging. While some our relentless sacrifice of wildwith only a fraction of the speed of the specific examples they ness to urban sprawl and reand scope the situation would provide may be inappropriate source extraction. seem to demand. The challenge for our area, tailoring their baOur councillors, MPPs and is that there is no single cause sic concepts to our own land can MPs are the front line for such to confront. It’s the proverbi- lead to positive results. Over- solutions. Unless we tell them al “death by a thousand cuts.” coming outdated bylaws and firmly and often that we expect Deforestation, urbanization, community traditions, howev- positive, tangible progress to industrial agriculture, pesticide er, has proven to be a struggle. be made, other priorities and use, climate change, invasive From Smiths Falls to London, distractions will occupy their species, pollution, artificial more and more municipalities attention and efforts. light, car culture, disease and are coming to accept naturalAfter all, the squeaky wheel countless other factors directly ized yards as the new normal, gets the oil. contribute to insect declines. but not without a lot of fuss and

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Thursday, May 21, 2026

Exeter Examiner

SOUTH HURON COUNCIL BRIEFS JOHN MINER Examiner Reporter

Dog park designation unwanted South Huron council is being asked to drop Darling Park from the list of potential sites for a dog park in Exeter.

In a letter to council, Rebecca Darling noted that the land was donated by her grandfather, Fred Darling, as green space for the community. The park on Pryde Boulevard, in the middle of a residential neighbourhood and without dedicated parking, is not an appropriate location for a dog park, Darling wrote.

South Huron residents have been invited by the municipality to participate in a survey on whether they are in favour or opposed to a dog park in Exeter. 10 locations, including Darling Park, have been identified as possible sites.

Outlook positive for adding crosswalk South Huron municipal staff have been working to gain approval from the Ministry of Transportation for a crosswalk on Main Street in downtown Exeter.

CAO Rebekah Msuya-Collison said discussions are in the final stages and it is looking positive. Money for the crosswalk is in this year’s South Hu-

ron budget.

Council recently received a letter from Huron Apothecary Ltd. pharmacy manager Dan Marchioni urging that a crosswalk be located close to the downtown Exeter parkette, between John St. and James St. With the municipal parking lot located on the west side of Main Street and the apothecary on the east, many patients must either make a long walk down to the nearest crossing or embark on the risky endeavour of crossing a busy highway during peak traffic, he wrote.

Future urban lots could be a lot smaller Senior planner Victor Kloeze and Denise Van Amersfoort, manager of planning, reported to council that the province is proposing a series of planning changes.

One regulation would allow the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to set a minimum lot size on parcels of urban residential land outside of the Greenbelt Area. The proposal is for a minimum lot size of 175 square metres. That compares to the current minimum lot size in South Huron of 450 square metres for an interior lot or 540 square metres for a corner lot under South Huron’s proposed updated zoning bylaw.

A municipality would not be able to deny a lot creation of 175 square metres under the proposed provincial regulation even if it did not conform to the municipality’s minimum area, frontage or depth requirements.

Fire department handled 40 emergency calls In the first three months of 2026, the South Huron and Lambton Shores fire departments handled 40 emergency calls in South Huron.

One call was for a structure fire and another for a vehicle fire, while eight calls were for motor vehicle crashes and eight for medical assists. There were seven calls in response to commercial alarms, three for residential alarms, three for gas leaks, two for carbon monoxide incidents and one for a power line. Six calls were for other perceived emergencies.

The Exeter station handled 28 of the calls, Dashwood handled eight and Grand Bend four. $100,000 allocated for Huron Park community park South Huron council voted to allocate $100,000 from its parkland reserve fund to the Huron Park Subdivision Community Park.

Proposed initiatives for the community park include

large shade trees and accessible amenities, such as a paved pathway and an accessible parking area. Money for the parkland reserve fund comes from planning fees.

Under provincial legislation, a municipality is required to allocate at least 60 per cent of the money in the reserve fund

each year. At the start of the year, South Huron’s fund had a balance of $165,513. Last year parkland reserve funds were used for the Port Blake revitalization project and the Victoria Street East playground equipment replacement and relocation project.

(JOHN MINER PHOTO)

In a letter to council, Rebecca Darling wrote that Darling Park wouldn’t serve as an appropriate site for a dog park in the community.

BLUEWATER COUNCIL BRIEFS DAN ROLPH Editor

Pumper tanker purchased for Bayfield The tender for the purchase of a new pumper tanker with pump and roll capabilities for the Bayfield fire station was awarded to Camions Carl Thibault Inc. for $681,151, excluding HST. The new pumper truck will replace the current 2003 pumper that is stationed in Bayfield.

The Camions Carl Thibault bid was the lowest of four bids received for the tender, with the highest bid coming in over $1 million.

Council earmarked $760,000 in the 2026 budget for the

purchase of a pumper tanker truck, bringing the purchase below budget.

In a report to council, fire chief Dave Erb wrote that the surplus could be used to purchase a fire hose for about $24,000.

Fire department activity Bluewater’s fire department responded to 22 calls during the first quarter of 2026.

The Zurich and Hensall stations were the busiest in the municipality, each responding to six calls. Zurich responded to two fires, one false alarm, one rescue and two other calls.

Hensall responded to one fire, one false alarm, one rescue and three other calls.

Stations in Bayfield and Brucefield each responded

to five calls. Bayfield was on the scene for one fire, two false alarms and two rescues.

Brucefield responded to two false alarms, two rescues and a medical call.

The department also issued 29 controlled burn permits throughout the period.

Municipal garden planting policy adopted A new bylaw that lays out a strategy for the planting of native perennial species in Bluewater’s flower beds has been approved by council.

The policy prioritizes native and pollinator-friendly plant species where they are considered practical while prohibiting the planting of invasive species in the flower beds maintained by the municipality.

However, the policy does not apply to existing plantings and will be rolled out over time through routine maintenance and replacements.

Facilities manager Maggie Off said in cases where volunteers maintain municipally owned garden beds, the municipality would try to ensure plants were native species but that they would consider permitting non-native species if they were requested.

Bluewater maintains 41 garden beds, seven rain gardens and 77 flower planters.

Nathan Latta appointed as deputy chief building official Council appointed Nathan Latta as Bluewater’s new deputy chief building official.

Latta has been with the de-

velopment services team since 2018, and development services manager Aaron Stewardson said his appointment would support the continuity of operations within the department.

Mayor Paul Klopp congratulated Latta on his new position.

“We look forward to working together as always,” he said.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.GRANTHAVEN.COM

Exeter Examiner

Thursday, May 21, 2026

27

BACK IN TIME 30 Years Ago May 22, 1996 - Receiving gold medals at the recent “Years of Service” ceremony at the Exeter Legion for 50 years service were Lee Webber, Stan Frayne, Ray Wuerth, Howard Holtzmann, Jim Hamilton, Doug Wedlake, Elmer Bell, Len McKnight and Warren May.

40 Years Ago May 21, 1986 - Exeter was invaded this past weekend by more than 270 camping units from all parts of Ontario and the United States as the local Ausable River Nomads sponsored an Ontario Association of National Hikers and Campers jamboree.

There will be a page from Exeter history involved in a planned change of the name of Massey-Ferguson Ltd. The company will become known as the Verity Corp., a variation of the Veri-

ty Plow Co., which Massey purchased nearly 100 years ago. Massey Ferguson’s predecessor, the Massey-Harris Co. bought the Verity Plow co. of Exeter in 1982.

55 Years Ago May 27, 1971 - Five young people whose average age is 23 recently purchased a 50-acre farm from Mac Hodgert in Usborne Township and are in the process of getting the property into shape for a home for eight boys who do not have normal homes. The five all have experience in dealing with young boys and are naming their private project “Erwood I.” Backing a suggestion from police chief Ted Day, Exeter council will once again try to convince the department of transport of the need for traffic lights at the corner of Main and Sanders streets.

Eight boats from the Grand Bend fishing fleet became stuck in the ice as they started back into the harbour May 14.

It took them two hours to battle their way home in the ice, some of which was eight feet thick. As it may be expected it was one of the latest days on record for ice on the lake in Grand Bend area.

65 Years Ago May 27, 1961 - A new $15,360 fire truck to serve Exeter, Usborne, Stephen and Hay was ordered Tuesday following negotiations for the purchase.

Oliver Jaques of Hensall was elected Associate Deputy Grand Master at the convention of Royal Black Knights of Orangemen in Windsor last week.

70 Years Ago May 21, 1956 - OPP Const. Elmer Zimmerman, who has been in charge of the

Exeter OPP detachment since 1949 has been promoted to corporal and transferred to Guelph.

At the AOTS supper in James Street United Church, Monday, Mervyn Cudmore was elected president to succeed the charter president Dr. Harvey Cowen.

At least six farmers in McGillivray Township suffered severe damage to buildings Friday when a short-lived tornado ripped through about three miles of farmland south of Crediton. Disaster struck twice on the farm of Erle Hamilton Wednesday night — a fire destroyed the farm home and Friday the tornado ripped off part of the barn roof.

80 Years Ago May 20, 1946 - Exeter will this year celebrate the first peacetime May 24 since the Second World War.

Ask the Arborist

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By Joel Hackett • 519.272.5742 • jtsquote@gmail.com Joel Hackett is a certified Arborist residing in the St. Marys area. Currently, he spends most of the year running Joel’s Tree Service. For contact call 519.272.5742 or email jtsquote@gmail.com

Website design Digital marketing strategy Branding and social media guidance WWW.REBELSOULMEDIA.CA

Dear Arborist,

find better accommodations.

I have a Raccoon, not just one Raccoon, a whole family of Raccoons living in my tree, they go up, they go down, they go in, they go out. They are making a giant mess, and I think they are killing my tree. It has hollows everywhere, and it is dying at the very top. Sometimes there are dead, broken branches at the bottom. I am almost certain the Raccoon is throwing them down. Also, inside the hollows, there is fur all over. What do I do???

Once the raccoon family moves on, you can fill the hollows with spray foam, then cover the hollows with a hard resin, adding a wire mesh tacked to the tree as a final measure.

If, after addressing the tree situation, the raccoons are still an issue, a live trap is recommended to rehome the animals.

However, if the tree is dying at the tips and full of hollows, it might be a good idea to have it assessed for safety. It sounds like your tree may be at risk of falling with that many hollows.

Thank You

Hobby store that features Pokemon and Magic the Gathering trading card games, as well as Lego, Board Games, Warhammer and sports cards. We have a large in stock selection, but if you don’t see it in store we can order it.

Sincerely,

Amos

The Arborist

Dear Amos, That sounds very frustrating. I also had a family of Raccoons living in my barn; thankfully, I managed to persuade them to

144 Courthouse Sq., Suite 300 (Basement), Goderich, ON 519-612-2050 | mtgnorthcanada@gmail.com www.mtgnorth.ca

Exeter Examiner N

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Thursday, May 21, 2026

Exeter Examiner

Pet of the Week Riddles

FIREWORKS CAN BE FUN FOR US — BUT FRIGHTENING FOR PETS.

I’m tall when I’m young and short when I’m old. What am I? A candle What has to be broken before you can use it?

An egg What kind of tree can you carry in your hand?

A palm tree What has many keys but can’t open a single door?

A piano What has words but never speaks?

A book What can travel all around the world without leaving its corner?

A stamp What has four wheels and flies?

A garbage truck What can you catch but not throw?

A cold What comes down but never goes up?

Rain What can run, but never walks, has a mouth but never talks, and has a bed but never sleeps?

A river

Loud noises and bright flashes may cause anxiety, panic, or pets running away. Help Keep your pet safe by bringing them indoors before fireworks start, create a calm, quiet space, ensure ID tags or microchips are up to date A little preparation helps keep your pet safe and stress-free. Celebrate responsibly—for every member of the family.

Sponsored By:

KIRKTON VET CLINIC

kirktonvetclinic.com 519-229-8911

BIJOU & MAX

1 year and 6 month old Morkie siblings Bijou (left) & Max (right).

They live with their loving owner, Yvonne Pelletier from Grand Cove in South Huron.

Nominate your pet to be a Featured Pet by emailing info@exeterexaminer.com

Word Search SPONSORED BY:

Of f ice S olutions Inc. | 92 Main St. S. Exeter, ON N0M 1S1 p. 519.235.1840 | shop.shos.ca | info@shos.ca

VICTORIA DAY WEEKEND VICTORIA FIREWORKS HOLIDAY SPARKLER CANADA QUEEN COTTAGE BACKYARD LONG WEEKEND CAMPING GARDENING BARBECUE MAY TWO FOUR BONFIRE SPRING

Solutions on pg.30

Exeter Examiner

COMING EVENTS MAY GRAND BEND AREA COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE MON. & THURS. 8:45-9:45 Medium Low impact aerobic exercise that includes cardio, strength, & flexibility exercises. Community Room GBACHC. cmaxfield@gbchc.com MON. & THURS. 10 – 10:45 High low impact aerobic exercise with Joy that includes cardio, strength, and flexibility. Community Room GBACHCcmaxfield@gbchc.com MON. & THURS. 11:15-12:15 Gentle Exercise Community Room GBACHC. Exercises done seated or standing. To register contact cmaxfield@gbchc.com MON & THURS 1:00-2 PM Functional Fitness with Julie. Most gentle class for people with mobility issues. Hensall Arena and virtual in Grand Bend at GBACHC Mondays.

Thursdays in person in Grand Bend Contact Julie at jdatars@gbchc.com TUES. & THUR. FRI. 8:30AM Exercise Port Franks Community Centre. Line Dancing from 8:30-9 am. Medium Low impact aerobic exercises from 9-10 cmaxfield@gbchc.com TUES. & THUR. 6:00-6:45PM Joys Evening exercise classes - High low impact Community Room GBACHC. Saturday mornings from 10-10:45 am. cmaxfield@gbchc.com Wed. 10-11:00 am Walk & Talk Hensall Arena. Contact Grace at gbonnett@gbchc.com .

Fun social walking program with coffee and chatting to finish WED. 9:20-11 AM Pinery Walking Group.

Meet at the Lambton Heritage Museum parking lot 9:00 am Email Lindsey lindseyashworthducharme@gmail.com

THURS. MAY 21ST. 1:30 -3:30 Alzheimer’s caregiver support group. Support group program with trained facilitator Randy Chapman.

1-800-561-5012. Adult Day wing at GBACHC. FRI. MAY , 22ND - 10-12 “Diabetes Cooking Classes” Hensall Community Christi an Church 78 King St. Hensall. Contact Elaine at the Grand Bend Area CHC 519-238-2362 x 242 to register. FREE Spots still available.

Open to everyone! Topics include Balanced Breakfast, Liver Health Nutrition and Heart Healthy Cooking.

FRI, MAY 22 FROM 5-7PM - Roadside BBQ at St. Anne’s Anglican 10027 Port Franks Rd, Port Franks. Free will offering.

EXETER LIBRARY BRANCH - exeterlibrary@huroncounty.ca - 519-235-1890 TUES 3:30PM-4:30PM CAD Makers Club (ages 12+) [REGISTRATION REQUIRED].

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27TH 5:00PM Teen Advisory Group

3:30PM-

WEDNESDAY MAY 27TH & JUNE 24, 6:00PM- 8:00PM - Board Game Cafe KIRKTON LIBRARY BRANCH - kirktonlibrary@huroncounty.ca - 519-229-8854 FRIDAY, MAY 29 & SATURDAY, MAY 30 South Huron Hospital Auxiliary

THURSDAYS 9:30-12 Early On program free program for adults with children birth to 6 years. Adult Day Wing, GBACHC. Contact earlyonchildcare.ca or 519-786-6161 x 9226.

RUMMAGE SALE. South Huron Recreation Centre. 94 Victoria St. E. Exeter. Friday, May 29 from 2 to 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Donations accepted Thursday, May 28 - 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the South Huron Recreation Centre. Zamboni entrance. Proceeds going to Patient care needs. All items left over are then donated to local charities in our area.

FRI. MAY, 22ND - “Vinyasa Yoga and Chair Yoga” GBACHC in Community room.

Vinyasa at 8:30am, Chair at 9:45 am. Contact cmaxfield@gbchc.com

MAY 30 - Hensall Yard Sales. Discover treasures at yard sales throughout the village and stop for a delicious breakfast served by local firefighters.

STARTS MAY 13 7-8PM Sound Therapy Class. Harmonic Memory Healing with Cindy Waghorn. Wednesday evenings beginning.

Doors open at 6:30pm. Come as you are able, no sign-up needed. $25 per class at door - cash or e-transfer. Bring a mat/blanket and a pillow. Wear comfortable shows. Trivitt Memorial Church, 264 Main Street, Exeter

SATURDAY MAY 30 Jessica’s House Hike for Hospice. Community walk along the MacNaughton-MorrisonTrail followed by a Scavenger Hunt through Exeter and lunch, games and activities at the Recreation Centre. Register today. www.jessicashousehospice.ca

TUES, May 26TH AND JUNE 2ND “Bone Health & Balance” Free 3 week educational and exercise program designed to improve balance and strength and avoid falls to maintain your independence. Education on how to keep your bones healthy. Program runs 1:30-3 pm in the Community Room at GBACHC 69 Main St E . Contact Kate Mason Occupational Therapist at kmason@gbchc.com or 519-238-

Brought to you by:

MAY 31 2PM - We Lend A Hand - The Forgotten Story of Ontario Farmerettes. Doors open 30 minutes before - Show 2 p.m. Thames Road Elimville Church, 71209 Elimville Line, Exeter.

SUN MAY 31 8-11:30AM. COPA Flight 177 Fly-in Breakfast. CSX7 - - Sexsmith Airfield, Exeter, ON. Fly-in or Drive-In. One block northwest of the intersection of Highways 4 and 83 on McDonald Road. Rain or Shine.

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• 69 Main Street E., Grand Bend, ON 519-238-2362 • 122 King Street, Hensall, ON 519-262-3140

JUNE

Hensall Legion - Dart Elmination

JUNE 3 Bayfield Village-Wide Yard Sale.

8-11 A.M. There are bargains throughout the village as the yard sale is held in Bayfield.

Tickets $15. Only 650 printed.

First Ticket Drawn - $100 Every 25th Ticket - $50 each.

647, 648 & 649 - $150 each.

Last $2,500.

Wings & Fries - $18.

Proceeds towards handicap friendly accommodations. For more info:

2362 x 241 WEDNESDAYS MAY-JUNE 3RD 110:30“Pulmonary Rehab Program” GBACHC. Contact Peter Morrisey a pmorrisey@gbchc.com or 519-238-2362 x 284 for information

Thursday, May 21, 2026

JUNE 6 - 7AM TO 12PM. Brucefield Firemans Breakfast. $15 adults / $5 children.

SUN, JUNE 7 - 1-2PM Crediton and District Optimist Club invite you to come out and interact with creatures from Sam’s Scales and Tails.. Crediton Community Centre. $10 per person. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Email tina.premont@ hotmail.com to register by May 23. Spots are limited JUNE 13 - Ailsa Craig United Church raffle to raise money for a new furnace. Draw date Tickets $5 each or 5 for $20. Etransfer acunitedfundraising@execulink.com & send a picture of the transfer to 519-671-2988 and receive back a picture of your tickets.

SUN, JUNE 14 - 10AM-2PM - Car Show at Grand Bend Legion.. Cars start rolling at: 7:30am. BBQ onsite; 50/50 draw; door prizes.

Bring your ride, bring your friends and enjoy a great day! Car entry fee: min. donation of $10.

June 6, 2026 • 1 to 4 pm

Sue Riley - sriley967@hotmail.com

The London Orchid Society will be holding an Orchid Plant Sale May 23, 2026 10 am to 4 pm Admission $5.00.

At Siloam United Church, 1240 Fanshawe Park Rd. E. Contact Daryl 519-666-2927 or www.londonorchidsociety.com games for the children and families. For info: llattard@gmail.com

JUNE 13 & 14 ‘The Way Back’ - Join us for a fun afternoon on June 13 and 14 -2pm with an original production featuring our Creative Arts Youth crew. ‘The Way Back . The Truth will always lead you home.” A theatrical production. Centralia Faith Tabernacle, 140 Victoria Drive, Centralia. Stay after performance for treats and some family fun.

SUNDAY, JUNE 28 - 2-4 P.M. - Crystal Gage and Ryan St Denis, Country and Western. Zion United Church, 6 Victoria Ave W, Crediton. $25.00/person call Ruth 519234-6035 or Joan 519-237-3806

JUNE 18 Exeter Town-wide Yard Sale. Exeter. Great deals on collectibles, treasures and other good stuff at Exeter’s town-wide yard sale.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 10TH, 4PM-5PM Crafternoons (ages 6-12)

SAT, JUNE 20 - White Squirrel Cares Foundation. Rock the Range. Newfoundland Kitchen Party Edition. White Squirrel Golf Club. Music by: Off the Rock Canada’s Great Big Sea Tribute. In support of Magnetic Moments Campaign.

SUN, JUNE 28 - 2-4 P.M. - Crystal Gage and Ryan St Denis, Country and Western.

Zion United Church, 6 Victoria Ave W, Crediton. $25.00/person call Ruth 519-234-6035 or Joan 519-237-3806 SUN, JUNE 21 - 10 AM. Charity Fun Competetion. Participants can try their hand at rifle, handgun, skeet, and trap events — all while supporting SafePet Ontario, an organization that helps pets stay safe. Fee $40.00 For all Four Events. One Event $10.00 CLAYBIRD GUN CLUB 71363 Ausable Line, Bluewater (Exeter), ON. Prizes: Proceeds to Safe Pet Ontario Lean more: safepet.ca Contact: Doug Moore 519-264-3101 Check out our website: www.claybird.ca SAT, JUNE 27 3PM Fundraiser for Raquel Murray. Port Franks Community Centre. Sat., June 27 - 3pm. Wear your pink! Family friend outdoor fundraiser event with food, music and

KIRKTON LIBRARY BRANCH - kirktonlibrary@huroncounty.ca - 519-229-8854

EXETER LIBRARY BRANCH - exeterlibrary@huroncounty.ca - 519-235-1890 THURSDAY JUNE 11TH, 10:30-11:30AM Craft and Connect (formerly Crochet for a Cause) WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17TH 3:30-4:30PM Art Club (ages 10+) JUNE 4 10:30AM-11:30AM Book Social (Adults)

JULY SUNDAY, JULY 5 10AM - Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Huron & South Bruce North Huron presents Golf Fore Kids’ Sake 2026.shotgun start. White Squirrel Golf Course, 72538 Bluewater Highway, Zurich.

For more info contact Angie Steckle. angie. steckle@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

AUGUST AUGUST 8 & 9 Co-ed mixed recreational slo-pitch tournament sponsored by the Kirkton-Woodham Optimists. Family-friendly event. Contact Helen 519-301-6099.

Sponsored By:

TRAILER SALES

MacLeans Home Hardware

EXETER,ON

519-235-0800 • 110 Main St. N.

GRAND BEND, ON

519-238-8282 • 70948 Bluewater Hwy.

TRA

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Thursday, May 21, 2026

Exeter Examiner

BUSINESS DIRECTORY OFFICE SUPPLIES & SERVICES

SIDING / EAVES / ROOFING

METAL PRODUCTS

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY

CLEANING

QUIZ ANSWERS

Seamless Eavestroughing Siding - Soffit - Fascia Asphalt - Steel - Flat Roofing Windows - Doors - Decks Kitchen & Bathroom Renos TREVOR TRUEMNER

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For all your building needs

519-294-6940

TREVOR TRUEMNER WAYNE TRUEMNER Hensall,Ontario Exeter, Ontario Hensall, Ontario Home: 519-262-2984 Home: 519-235-0883 Cell: 519-671-6117 Cell: 519-281-1040 Cell: 519-671-6117

Email: truetrough@gmail.com

35665 Salem road, Parkhill

WE USE ONLY ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PRODUCTS

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jacobauctions.com

Lawn mowing & reseeding Stone Work & Junk removal Aggregate/mulch delivery and installs Firewood sales and delivery Yard leveling & rough grading Wet yard & water drainage solutions Driveway rebuilding & regrading Gravel parking areas & laneways Shed, hot tub & patio base preparation Brush clearing & property clean up

A full service landscape company servicing Huron County

(519) 494-7624

DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS

ROOFING

Drainage Solutions

DAN BECKER

• 519-871-4907 JIM BECKER

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PAINTING

SUDOKU ANSWERS

Office: (519)-235-1829 Mobile: (226)-268-4492

425 Main St, Exeter 39 Ontario Rd, Mitchell 519-235-2740 gc.financial@sunlife.com

HYDRO EXCAVATION

79 Victoria St. W. Exeter, ON

PHOTO QUIZ ANSWER

WESTERN APPAREL &

Himalayan Balsam

KENNELS

• CCTV Video Inspection

•WESTERN WEAR & DESIGNER & WEDDING •BOOTS - Work & Western Thurs.-Fri.-Sat. •ART, JEWELLERY GIFTS 9:30am-5pm •TACK SHOP OKIOK KENNEL & CATTERY • Siberian Huskies For Sale • Boarding All Breeds Open • Dog Food For Sale Daily www.okiokkennel.com

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Between Corbett & Mt. Carmel

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519.294.0494

AROUND THE WORLD WITH

JOIN US ON ONE OF OUR GROUP TRIPS

LRV

Computing & Consulting Specializing in all things Computer Since 1997

519-235-2136 lrvcomputing.com 153 Anne St., Exeter, ON

Email : AL@LR VCOMPU TING .COM

MARTY GLAVIN

519.808.0556

glavinpainting@gmail.com Interior Painting by Marty Glavin

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TROPICAL COSTA RICA JAN. 25 – FEB. 2, 2027

SHAMROCK ROYAL CROATIA, SLOVENIA & IRELAND THE ADRIATIC COAST JUNE 25 - JULY 10, 2027 SEPTEMBER 11-22, 2027

www.stonetowntravel.com

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE AT GRANTHAVEN.COM

Exeter Examiner

Thursday, May 21, 2026

31

CLASSIFIED Come discover your new favourite summer pastime.

Imagine warm evenings on the green, fresh air, friendly competition, and a community that welcomes everyone.

That’s lawn bowling — and this spring, you can try it for free.

FREE Try It Out Sessions:

· May 29 · 7–8 PM · June 6 · 1–3 PM · June 10 · 7–8 PM No experience. No equipment. No cost. Just you, the green, and a great time waiting to happen.

Supported by OLBA Please wear flat soled shoes. Ages 9 & up welcome.

Questions?

Email: Exeterlawnbowling@gmail.com

Avec le soutien d’ OLBA

EXETER

1 BDRM APARTMENT in House

Main Level / 5 steps from grade, 4 appliances, all inclusive utilities (Hydro, Heat / A/C, water & sewer). In very clean, well maintained older individual House. Newly renovated including new kitchen & bathroom cabinetry & fixtures.

Short walk to 3 schools & downtown.

ABSOLUTELY NO PETS OR SMOKING ON ENTIRE PROPERTY! 1 parking space with guest parking available.

1 year Lease with full 1st & last month in advance. Require 3 strong references (previous Landlord’s preferred; NO family or friends) 2 VERY nice 1 bdrm, all inclusive units available.

Must be seen to appreciate! Great for Seniors! #1 @ $1,900/month, all inclusive. Available April 1, 2026. #2 @ $2,000/month, all inclusive. Available April 15, 2026.

OBITUARY

Restemayer Peacefully, at Lambton Meadowview Villa, Petrolia, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, Donna Patricia (Weber) Restemayer, formerly of Dashwood, in her 87 th year.

Beloved wife of the late Leeland Restemayer (April 27, 2024). Loved mother and mother-in-law of Robert and Linda Restemayer of Sarnia. Cherished grandma of Jason Restemayer and his partner Destiney Joyce of Dashwood and Melissa and Steve Coleman of Exeter.

Treasured great-grandma of Willow Restemayer, Ava Restemayer and Eli Coleman. Predeceased by her parents Harold Edgar and Edna Clara (Fisher) Weber, infant brother Robert Weber and sister Joan Jones.

At Donna’s request, cremation has taken place. A Graveside Service for Family and Friends was held at the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery, Dashwood. The Rev. John E. Trembulak III Officiated. Donna was a long time employee of the Canada Post Corporation as Post Master in Dashwood. Arrangements entrusted to the T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home, Dashwood. If desired, memorial donations (payable directly) to the Zion Lutheran Church, Dashwood or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.

Condolences at www.hoffmanfuneralhome.com

Call: 519-235-4543

& ask for Mark or L eave a Message.

SCAN TO READ THE ONLINE PAPER www.granthaven.com

White Squirrel Watch

PHOTO BY CHRISTINE HARRIS CHRISTINE SPOTTED THIS LITTLE SQUIRREL ON HER FRONT LAWN.

Nominate your White Squirrel sightings by emailing info@exeterexaminer.com

Serving All Day Breakfast (519) 237-3116 185 Dashwood Main St, N0M 1N0

Brought to you by: Grand Bend, 75 Main Street East • 519·238-6991 Exeter, 261 Main Street North• 519·235-4227

“The first five days after the weekend are always the hardest...”

“Who sticks to their budget when it comes to buying plants?”

Have you heard something humorous around town that you think might be of interest to others?

Either email them to us at info@exeterexaminer.com with the title "Overheard at McCafe" or call 519.655.2341.

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Thursday, May 21, 2026

Exeter Examiner

The Hub

Important Dates Tuesday, May 19th Committee of Adjustment 5:00 PM (EST)* Tuesday, May 19th Regular Council Meeting 6:00 PM (EST)*

May 13, 2026 Holiday Hours—Victoria Day

The Annual Decoration Day Service will be held on Sunday, July 19th at 1:00 pm at the Exeter Public Cemetery. We are looking for readers, musicians and community members to help make the service special.

If you would like to take part, please contact cemetery@southhuron.ca or 519-235-0310.

*South Huron Council meetings are open for in-person attendance and continue to be livestreamed.

See our website Agendas, Minutes & Meetings page or the South Huron Youtube channel at meeting time to access the livestream video link.

A recording of the meeting will be available on the municipal Youtube Channel following the meeting.

Exeter Dog Park Consultation

Building Safety Month

South Huron is collecting community input on a proposal to build a dog park in Exeter. The public is invited to participate in a short survey from April 23 until May 21, 2026. Information collected will be used to support decision-making by Council.

May is Building Safety Month!

The municipal office and landfill site will be closed Monday, May 19th. There is no disruption to garbage and recycling collection.

For urgent municipal matters outside regular business hours please call 519-235-0310 x7

Decoration Day

It’s a time to recognize the essential role building safety professionals play in protecting our homes, workplaces, and communities every single day.

Details regarding this project and a survey link can be found on our project page.

South Huron Votes 2026 – Are you interested in local government?

Clerks across Huron County are hosting a Candidate Information Session for any individuals interested in local government, or interested in running as a candidate in the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election.

Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 6:30p.m.

Libro Community Hall, 239 Bill Fleming Drive, Clinton Agenda items include: • Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing providing an overview of the 2026 Municipal Election • Presentations on how individuals can check that they’re on the voters list, how to cast a ballot in the 2026 Election, and an overview of Huron County Council • Question and Answer period Reminder: Nomination Period is now open! An unofficial list of candidates is available on the Municipal Elections page and will be updated as nominations are filed. Nomination packages are available for pick up at town hall, or can be downloaded off the Municipal Elections page on SouthHuron.ca, and can be filed at Town Hall until 2pm on August 21, 2026.

For more information regarding the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election, check out the Municipal Election page on SouthHuron.ca, contact the Clerk at vote@southhuron.ca, or drop into the Clerk’s Department at town hall (322 Main Street South, Exeter).

Hub E-Newsletter Have you subscribed to our bi-monthly e-newsletter, The South Huron Hub? You're just a few clicks away from receiving municipal updates, job opportunities, community events and more directly to your email inbox. Learn how easy it is to sign up by visiting the South Huron Hub Newsletter page at SouthHuron.ca MUNICIPALITY OF SOUTH HURON 322 Main Street South, PO Box 759, Exeter, ON N0M 1S6 PHONE: 519-235-0310 ● FAX: 519-235-3304 ● TOLL FREE: 1-877-204-0747 WEBSITE: www.southhuron.ca

This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate 70 years of the Ontario Building Officials Association. Seven decades of leadership, education, and advocacy supporting safe, code-compliant construction across Ontario.

Join us all month long as we recognize the people, progress, and purpose behind building safety in Ontario. oboa.on.ca/ BuildingSafetyMonth2026 Exeter Main Street South Reconstruction Sign up to receive weekly project updates via email.

See our Exeter Main Street South Reconstruction Project page at SouthHuron.ca for details and sign up for progress reports.

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Contact us if you require alternative formats.

Building Services ext. 6 Community Services ext. 222 Transportation, Roads ext. 230 Water & Wastewater, Landfill ext. 230 Afterhours ext. 7