Over $220K in drugs seized in Petrolia
Heather Wright
The Independent
Sarnia’s Deputy Police Chief says a man arrested in a drug bust in Petrolia had likely been living in town for nearly a month, using it as a home base for his drug trade in the city.
Deputy Chief Ron Hansen spoke to The Independent after news of an early morning traffic stop Thursday where Sarnia Police seized over $200,000 in drugs.
Hansens says police had been watching a suspect for some time including on the night of June 26 in Sarnia.
“Our officers were getting surveillance on the vehicle as it was leaving and because of the nature of the drugs – the type of dealing this person was doing – we wanted to have our tactical units do the traffic stop. So, our drug team basically guided them up to where the vehicle was and then they did the contain-
ment traffic stop,” he says.
Once the vehicle was stopped, Hansen said the suspect was “agitated from the get go.”
When the ERT members tried to take him into custody, the deputy chief said, he was combative and officers used a taser to subdue him and arrest him.
“He did not sustain any significant injuries,” says Hansen.
Officers searched the man and seized 10.5 ounces of cocaine, 13 ounces of methamphetamine, and eight ounces of fentanyl.
Police say half of it was uncut fentanyl which they say could easily make close to a kilogram of fentanyl when mixed with a precursor which was also seized.
Police say the estimated street value of the drugs was $222,069. Police also seized $7,900 in cash in the traffic stop.
The deputy chief says after the man was in custody, investigators found an Airbnb rental
where the takedown occurred.
Officers went to court that morning and just over nine hours later were searching the onebedroom, modern unit overlooking Petrolia Line.
Police seized another $12,140 in cash, food colouring, Ziploc bags for packaging and 7.34 grams of MDMA (ecstasy) as well as a digital scale.
Police say the items seized during the arrest and at the Petrolia Airbnb show evidence of “high-level trafficking” in Sarnia and suggests he was producing his own fentanyl based on the items seized and found in Petrolia.
Hansen believes the suspect had been staying in the unit for three or four weeks. “A lot of the (dealers) GTA and from the London area will come into Sarnia, and they all set up in in trap houses,” the deputy chief says.
Petrolia splash pad almost ready
Heather Wright
The Independent
Petrolia’s long-awaited splash pad should be up and running by the end of July.
That from Town of Petrolia officials who acknowledged they’d hoped it would be open July 1. In 2019, a community survey called for a splash pad. The 2020 Parks and Recreation Master Plan also picked up on the desire for the water feature. In 2021, Petrolia Kiwanis offered to build a splash pad for the town and started raising money. In 2023, the town agreed to allow the club to pay the $100,000 over 10 years. SEE SPLASH PAD PG 2
Petrolia/North Enniskillen firefighters lead the effort to control a barn fire on Petrolia Line Canada Day. Four fire departments were on the scene in the heat. One firefighter was taken to hospital with heat exaustion. They were released hours later. See more on page six.
The Best in Canada: Petrolia’s Bell marks 800 wins
Heather Wright
The Independent
Brian Bell hasn’t won on Father’s Day since 2021. But the Petrolia-born jockey pulled off one of the biggest wins of his career on this year Father’s Day becoming the first Canadian jockey to reach 800 wins.
Bell is a quarter horse jockey; he calls it the drag racing of horsesstraight down the track. Bell has been a quarter horse jockey for the 27 years.
Bell’s love of horses started in Grade 11 at LCCVI when his dad, Dave Bell, introduced him to Murray Schwartz. That led to a equine vet coop program with Schwartz and Cathy Cofell. While he was in the program, he realized he wanted to be on top of the horses, not looking inside them.
Over the years there were people along the way who helped him become a quarter horse rider. Most of his career has been racing on 110 to 440 yard tracks in Ontario; about 90 per cent of his wins are on Canadian soil including number 800 at Ajax Downs. “It was Father’s Day Sunday, which is funny; in the last three years I have not won a race on a Father’s Day.” Bell had three “hot-shot winners” to ride
that day; two balked at the gate and were pulled from their races. It came down to the very last race of the day. He mounted Marilyn Magic, a horse he’d won three times on, “sure enough, we came out of the gates and halfway down, she just exploded and we got the win. But it came down to the very last race on Father’s Day.”
Bell says it was nice to “get the monkey off his back” marking the 800th win.
“It’s just been amazing. It’s an amazing ride,” he said of the win. And it’s
clear Bell loves what he does.
“It’s the thrill, it’s the speed. And I love the horses,” he says. “All it takes is one big horse to put yourself on a map
“It’s been a ride, you know, being able to do what I’ve done, and accomplish and being the best in Canada.”
Drugs seized in Petrolia after a traffic stop by Sarnia police
CON’T FROM PG 1
“They can rent Airbnbs and they’re pretty much anonymous…we know where all the hotels and motels are, but we don’t know where all the Airbnbs are, so there is some level of protection for the criminals to work without being detected,” he says.
“I don’t have any information that he was actually trafficking in Petrolia. He was using that as home base and coming to Sarnia, where he would set up and do all of his work in Sarnia.
“There was evidence of precursor materials in his house …the Airbnb, but not evidence of him actually making the drugs at that location.
“I think he was in Petrolia simply to be anonymous…(to) walk around downtown Petrolia and people would not recognize him as a drug dealer…I think it …affords them a little bit of anonymity in Petrolia certainly.”
While Hansen doesn’t believe the suspect was dealing drugs in Petrolia, there was a level of danger to mixing the drugs. “Fentanyl and the precursors and stuff they used to make the drugs with is volatile, so there is a bit of a danger.”
Police arrested Owen Clayton Folkes, 23, of Scarborough. He is being held for bail charged with four counts of possession of a controlled substance
for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
“This arrest again demonstrates how far reaching these criminal enterprises can be,” said Chief Derek Davis in a news release. “We also see that City of Sarnia investigations often have connections to our Lambton County neighbours.”
Splash pad could be ready for use by the end of July
CON’T FROM PG 1
Then in 2024, the equipment was ordered and the groundwork for the splash pad began.
Julie Bullock, director of parks and recreation, said the town’s contractors are now finishing the last steps of the project. “The splash pad is almost complete,” she said in an email to The Independent.
“The water just needs to be hooked up and turned on and our staff trained on the use/maintenance of the system.”
For those last steps we need the area around the splash pad to be complete for the safety of the users.”
Friday, contractors were paving the pathways around the site. Another coat of asphalt is needed and some fencing along the soccer field needs to be installed,” she said.
“The washroom/change room facility is nearly complete as well, we are just waiting on a few finishing touches,” Bullock added.
The town hoped to have the splash
pad open for Canada Day but “the weather this spring did not cooperate and contractors could not get in as early as we had hoped to start back up.
“We are hopeful that the work will be complete and the splash pad is operational by the end of July.
“If the work is complete before then we will open it as soon as we are able.”
Bullock says the town hopes to host an official grand opening of the splash pad Aug. 26 at noon.
Your Invitation to Outdoor Church Services!
Sunday Evenings, July 6 through to Sunday August 24
Time: 7:00 PM Location: Victoria Park Petrolia
Sponsored By: St Andrews, St Pauls, First Baptist and Christ Church Churches
• Uplifting Worship: Join us for a time of praise and worship.
• Inspirational Message: Hear an encouraging sermon that will uplift your spirit.
• Community Fellowship: Connect with friends in a safe, welcoming environment.
• What to Bring: Your favourite lawn chair and a heart ready to worship
SARNIA POLICE PHOTO Officers searched an Airbnb on Petrolia’s main street.
NEW MEDIA IMAGES
Petrolia native Brian Bell is Canada’s all-time leading Quarter horse Jockey. He hit is 800th win on Fathers’ Day.
A Plympton-Wyoming volunteer is one of 22 honoured by the province with an Ontario Senior Achievement Award. Susan Wright, who last year was Plympton-Wyoming’s Senior of the Year, was among seniors from around the province at Queen’s Park to receive the honour from the Lieutenant Governor, Edith Dumont. Wright, a retired public servant, volunteers weekly as a fitness instructor for seniors and leads a summer aquafit class for women. In 2022, Wright opened her home to a Ukrainian refugee, helping her adjust to life in Canada, find work and learn English. Her compassion and energy left a lasting impact, said provincial officials in a news release. “Susan’s ongoing commitment to health, wellness and community support exemplifies her leadership and generosity,” the news release says. “It is inspiring to see so many individuals across our province making meaningful contributions to improving the lives of other seniors and building a stronger province,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “These awards recognize the wisdom, generosity, and positive impact of seniors in all aspects of daily life,” said the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
Over 50 ed assistants cut for First Nations students
Blake Ellis
The Independent
Lambton-Kent District School Board passed a $383 million balanced budget for the 202526 school year but local Indigenous leaders are concerned.
While Trustee Roberta Northmore called it a wonderful budget during the June 24 meeting, she did not support it saying there was no consultation with the four First Nations within the Lambton-Kent boundaries.
Northmore called the lack of consultation a neglect of the education service agreements the First Nations have signed with the school board and not adhering to truth and reconciliation efforts.
Lambton-Kent District School Board Director of Education Gary Girardi acknowledged there was not consultation with First Nations on the budget. He says the school board wasn’t given much time, as the core funding received from the provincial government was not announced until May 23.
One of the big issues, First Nations may be concerned about is a cut in funding for Indigenous services. Over 50 equivalent full-time education assistant positions are being cut in the next school year. It is due to a loss in funding of $2.8 million from Jordan’s Principle, a federal program which helps to ensure First Nations children have access to public services and
supports without experiencing service gaps or denials due to their Indigenous identity.
The funding cut amounts to a loss of 37 equivalent full-time education assistants in the elementary schools and 19 equivalent full time education assistants in the high schools.
Girardi explained this loss in funding is due to changes to the Jordan’s Principle program at the federal level.
Northmore asked if the school board has reached out to the four First Nations chiefs within the district to discuss the change in funding to Jordan’s Principle. Girardi said he would reach out and have that conversation with the First Nations leadership. McKay said while the funding as changed for the coming school year, the school board is still owed $2.3 million from Jordan’s Principle for the past 18 to 20 months.
Core education funding received from the province amounts to $310 million with capital funding coming in at $35 million and $5.5 million coming from tuition fees from Indigenous and VISA students.
Discretionary funding is really down to zero percent, said Associate Director of Corporate Services Brian McKay. It used to be that the school board had one percent of funding where trustees had room to make decisions. That has now been cut to half a percent. At this point, if trustees wanted to fund a new program, it would have to cut an existing program to make that happen, said McKay.
Two drowned in waters of Ipperwash beach over weekend
It was a deadly long weekend on Lake Huron in Lambton Shores.
Monday, an 18 year-old London resident died and a 12 year-old had to be rescued from the waters at Ipperwash Beach. Wednesday, Lambton OPP report another person – a 44 year-old from Lambton Shores – has also died while swimming. Police, paramedics and Lambton Shores firefighters were called to the end of Ipperwash
Road June 29 around 6:20 pm and found a swimmer who had been brought to shore by a bystander. OPP say it appears the person dove from a boat in shallow water and became unresponsive. The 44 year-old was taken to hospital where they were pronounced dead.
Police say the investigation continues and thanks people who helped the swimmer before emergency crews arrived on the scene.
Dr. Storozuk Dr. Martyniuk
OUR STORY
Canadian pride should include concern for democracy
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Canada Day celebrations seemed to attract more people this year in Lambton County. Flags could be found everywhere; on flag poles, smaller versions in hands, on buttons, even painted on faces.
The show of patriotism is likely due to the overtures of our neighbour to the south who still talks about Canada becoming the 51st state. It’s made us all more aware of the good things this nation has to offer.
If you had a chance to attend any of the Canada Day celebrations, you’ll know its citizens are one of the bests assets of this nation; kind, caring and willing to give to their communities, for the most part.
And while our national pride is swelling, there are still problems; homelessness, addictions, unemployment and the need for more mental health services are just a few. We’d also add to the list of concerns the recent moves by both the provincial and federal government to take more control over development.
Of particular concerns are laws passed at both levels which give elected politicians the ability to eliminate laws they think will slow development without consulting anyone.
Basically, our elected officials have trampled all over democracy in the name of nation building and progress.
THEINDEPENDENT THEINDEPENDENT
There are communities which feel this more acutely; First Nations have the right to be furious upper levels of government have ignored legislation which forces consultation for example. And places like Lambton and Chatham-Kent, who are immediately affected, are also crying foul. But so far, governments have brushed the concerns aside.
If these undemocratic powers are not tested in court and overturned, Canada – a country known for compromising for the good of all – will be come less democratic. Our Canadian pride should include pride in democracy instead of allowing politicians to dismantle it.
RICKY ALAN GALERNO PHOTO
Summertime in Lambton County has always been spent along the waters of Lake Huron or the St. Clair River. Dozens of hotels used to dot the shorelines, including this one, The Washington Hotel in Port Lambton. This building still stands today and is used as apartments.
HONOURING PW’S SENIOR OF THE YEAR
Plympton-Wyoming Mayor Gary Atkinson honoured town volunteer Adrian Verwegen as the Senior of the Year. “This award acknowledges Adrian’s tireless efforts that he puts forth on all the work that he does within our community. His positive influence is contagious in all that he does,” said Atkinson June 25. Verwegen is a member of the town’s cemetery committee. “This man was a devoted historian with a passion for his family, his heritage and great pride in his community,” said Atkinson. He readily shares that passion with those around him. If we were smart, we would listen to him for it’s how those of the future will know and be able to appreciate the past and most importantly, what we are so fortunate to have in this great community we live in.” Verwegen is also a charter member of the Huron Shores Optimists. “Adrian is known to be one of the first to dig in and take part in all the club’s activities; he leads by example and is a role model to many.”
Cattlemen, conservation authority reach agreement for pasture
Heather Wright
The Independent
The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority and local cattlemen have reached an agreement for 187 acres of land to create a community pasture.
About 30 members of the Lambton Cattlemens’ Association expressed an interest in the idea of a large pasture area managed by an association with a feed per head of cattle.
There are 11 community pastures in Ontario. Last year, the Beef Farmers of Ontario reached out to conservation authorities across the province to see if there is land available that could be developed into pasture land.
St. Clair Region Conservation Authority responded saying it had available land in southern St, Clair Township, formerly Sombra Township.
The parcel is part of the McKeough upstream land on the McKeough floodway, 12 kilometres north of Wallaceburg. The cattlemen initially talked about using up to 600 acres of space.
The conservation authority has rented its vacant land in the past, but normally it is to farmers to grow cash crops.
The community pasture is a first and required the conservation authority to take a close look at some of the issues which might come up.
June 26, the conservation authority
approved an agreement with the Cattlemen for 187 acres for a fiveyear lease which will be automatically renewal for another five years. The association will pay $125 per acre rental of the land. And it will erect about 11 km of five-strand wire perimeter fencing for about $170,000.
If the cattlemens’ association ends the project, the conservation authority will own the fencing.
“Much of this agricultural land is identified as fragile land, meaning it is prone to erosion due to the physical features such as steeply sloped or poorly drained land and floodplains. Rather than pursuing permanent retirement of these lands, conversion to pasture provides an opportunity to better achieve a balance between revenue and environmental sustainability,” writes Kelli Smith, the authority’s land specialist.
Brooke-Alvinston Councillor Don McCabe, who is a member of the conservation authority, calls the community pasture plan “pioneering.
“You’ll definitely see the improvements of those soils in moving this to a pasture-based agrology versus the cash cropping that we’ve once done,” McCabe said.
“If it’s not going to grow anything, it might as well be grass and the animals will do the best job of maintaining it.”
Chad Anderson is a member of the
Lambton Cattlemens’ Association and has been working on the project. He’s pleased the project is moving forward with the approval of the land. And he says the cattlemens’ association is working to secure financing and plan for the pastureland.
“We’ve got sponsorship money through the Lambton Cattlemen– we approved that this week. $15,000 and we also were able to obtain an interestfree loan from the Beef Farmers for $100,000 for our startup costs,” Anderson said.
Anderson says it will cost over $200,000 in capital costs to prepare the land, including the cost of the fencing, a water system and to seed acres.
“After the wheat harvest, we can start getting the land ready for pasture. We’re not going to graze anything until 2027,” he said noting some of the area needs to be seeded and that would happen in 2026.
“We’ve decided we’re going to sell hay in 2026 and then start grazing in 2027,” Anderson said.
He hopes to be selling memberships into the community pasture soon to help generate more revenue to cover the $200,000 start-up costs.
“It’s an investment in the future. We intend for the community pass to be around a long, long time,” says Anderson.
HEATHER WRIGHT PHOTO
and outbuilding.
One firefighter taken to hospital with signs of heat exhaustion
Heather Wright
The Independent
A Petrolia/North Enniskillen firefighter was taken to hospital with signs of heat exhaustion during a Canada Day blaze on Petrolia Line
Five Lambton County fire departments battled a large barn fire on west of Petrolia.
Petrolia/North Enniskillen firefighters responded to the Petrolia Line farm first, around 8:30 pm and water trucks and crews from Brigden, Courtright, Oil Springs and Wyoming were called in to help. A large, old, wooden barn with several sheds attached in flames. The fire could be seen as far away as Mandaumin Road.
Firefighters stayed at the scene into the morning with four tanker trucks shuttling water to the site to keep up with the blaze.
Petrolia Fire Chief Rick Cousins said during the fire, one firefighter showed signs of heat exhaustion. The Petrolia SORT Team and paramedics on scene helped the firefighter who was transported to hospital for evaluation. Cousins says he was “relieved and grateful” the firefighter was released just hours later with a clean bill of health. It’s not clear what caused the fire yet. Cousins estimates the damage over $500,000. There were no animals in the buildings but there was some equipment, including tractors, lost in the blaze.
Arena gets cash boost
Heather Wright
The Independent
Brooke-Alvinston is getting a big financial boost from the province to help fix the local arena.
The municipality has been staring down a $1.2 million bill to repair the ice making equipment in the arena floor. It applied to the Ontario Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund earlier this year. Brooke-Alvinston the province granted up to $1 million to pay for half of the project. The municipality will fund the rest.
Clerk Administrator Janet Denkers says staff has known about the grant for a month and has been working on the logistics of the repairs she told council June 28.
“We’re just gathering all the information right now, and we’ll filter through it with council.”
The work is expected to begin in 2026, when the ice comes out and the goal it to complete the work before the ice is needed in the fall.
Mayor Dave Ferguson calls the grant a “game changer” for the community as it takes on the major project.
“It allows us to revitalize a facility that has long been a hub for local sports, events and connections.”
Flames could be see shooting out from a wooden barn on Petrolia Line Tuesday which was surrounded by silos
HEATHER WRIGHT PHOTO Flames shoot into the air on Petrolia Line Tuesday.
Thursday, July 3, 2025
HAPPY CANADA DAY FROM PETROLIA
HEATHER WRIGHT PHOTOS
There was plenty of red, white and fun in Petrolia. The Action Figures entertained in Petrolia for Canada Day, top left. More than a dozen people were part of the first Inflatable race in Petrolia, top right. Jay VanKlinken and his son, Elliot, were using hotdogs for bait at the Petrolia Kid’s Fishing Derby, centre left, Evan Heil caught a 14 inch sucker – his first fish ever, centre, and Olivia Godsen, 13, of Watford, caught a wee catfish. Sydney Clark, 10, bottom left, got into the Canada Day spirit at the photo booth. Les Whiting and his wife, Karen, watch the spectacular fireworks in Petrolia.
Petrolia and Central Lambton
MIRANDA COLE PHOTO EMILY JOHNSTON PHOTO
Baseball, hockey, music and fun in Alvinston to celebrate Canada Day
The weather was hot but it didn’t stop people in Brooke-Alvinston from enjoy Canada Day activities. The Brooke Fire Service waterslide was a popular spot for the kids, right, who ran through the spray and slid through the water and bubbles. The twopitch tournament drew a crowd of spectators and players throughout the day as they played under the Canadian flag. Novah, 3, and Jett McLean, 5, bottom centre, shared some french fries during the ball hockey tournament. And there was plenty of music in the pavilion in Alvinston. The day ended with a chicken dinner and fireworks.
Sarnia ‘Find places for these units’ Case
Heather Wright
The Independent
Warwick Mayor Todd Case says Sarnia should tell Lambton County where supportive housing can be built.
The comment came Wednesday during a discussion about the new 50-unit supportive housing complex on George Street. The county gave the land to Indwell for the project. Neighbours found out after the deal was done.
Sarnia City/County Bill Dennis - who originally approved the land transfer during an in camera meeting – wanted the decision reconsidered. Council turned down the idea. Then Sarnia City/County Councillor Chrissy McRoberts, asked council to direct staff to
meet with residents in areas proposed for public housing before the decision is made. She said the county was not being transparent now.
That also failed with Dennis suggesting county politicians can’t be held accountable for housing decisions at the polls and were hoping city residents would move to the rural communities.
Case was offended saying “City of Sarnia, you go back and find places for these units of housing and I will do my best to honour that,” adding the city keeps turning down plans even though Sarnia is the community which needs supportive housing.
“We keep going round and round... we have to be proactive,” says Case.
Private paid Ipperwash parking OKed
Heather Wright
The Independent
Lambton Shores council has approved plans for a private, paid parking lot in Ipperwash.
The owners of the DeJong Grand Bend Clothing want to use their 50spot parking lot to generate revenue.
Lambton Shores planners didn’t recommend it saying there is parking in the area. Officials added the lot, which fronts onto the beach, is partly in an area which the local conservation authority says should not be developed.
Neighbours also voiced concern saying while the owners plan to operate
during business hours, there would be no way to get the beachgoers back to their cars and out of the lots. They worried that would create noise late into the evening next to their homes.
Council disagreed. Mayor Doug Cook says the owners of the company have been in the community for 25 years and have a good reputation. And he says during the summer, parking is at a premium.
“If they don’t park in that parking lot, those 50 people... are still going to find a place to park somewhere illegally or legally,” he says.“And if it can generate some revenue for them, I’m all for that, too.”
FRIEND CELEBRATE CANADA DAY
Friends Luanne Phair, who was wearing a jaunty Canada Day bow, Marie Robinson, both of Dawn-Euphemia, and Diane Watson of London enjoy a chicken dinner at the Rutherford fire hall. The friends have made it their Canada Day tradition for about five years. The local firefighters prepared dinner for about 350 people
Petrolia firefighters to check for smoke detectors
You may soon be getting a knock on your door to check if you have a smoke or CO2 detector.
Petrolia/North Enniskillen Fire Chief Rick Cousins says the department is going door-todoor over the summer to complete the annual
campaign to ensure homeowners have the proper, functioning equipment in place. Cousins says the fire department representatives will all have identification. The department has provided the service for the past few years.
HEATHER
Lambton Shores councillors will help shape budget
Heather Wright
The Independent
Mayor Doug Cook hopes a new finance committee will spark a deeper dive into Lambton Shores finances.
Mayors in smaller municipalities, including Lambton Shores, were recently given new powers under the province’s Strong Mayors Act. That included the mayor creating a municipal budget. But Cook says that will now be the job on a newly-created finance committee.
“Originally, it would be my decision to create a budget and not saying it’s the wrong thing to do, but I don’t think one person should have that authority or power,” he says.
But Cook also wasn’t happy with the way council has dealt with budgets in the past. “We have so many different sections of the budget that sometimes we just gloss over… we have some of the areas that we should be discussing more,” he said.
The mayor adds over the years he’s thought the budget “could have just been a report (to council). It didn’t have to be a budget, because in most cases, we’re rubber stamping whatever staff brings to us without any discussion.”
With a new finance committee, Cook hopes that changes.
He plans to give staff a spending guideline – say a tax increase of no more than two per cent – and staff would bring a budget to the new committee to discuss.
The mayor, Deputy Mayor Dan Sageman and Councillors Glen Baillie, Scott Ferguson and Jeff Wilcox are members of the committee. Cook says the council members are “the ones that tend to be most involved with council discussion when we do our budgets – some pro, some con as far as their opinions and thoughts.
“That’s why I thought, if you put both them together on a committee, we can hash out maybe some are resolved before it gets to council.”
And Cook believes smaller groups foster better conversation.
“Some of the questions I could ask that count in budget meetings don’t get asked when they should,” he says.
The new finance committee will also work with the mayor and staff on an investment policy for the reserves of the municipality.
Cook says here too, the members of the committee have different thoughts on investing the municipality’s reserves to generate income which will lead to good discussion.
Both the budget and the investment strategies will go back to council for discussion and approval.
CANADIAN FUN IN PORT FRANKS
Anderson of Guelph became a moose for a moment while Mia Cook and Victoria MacDonald of North Lambton Secondary School played at the park in Port Franks Canada Day. Madelyn Lyon was working hard to win the race and the volunteers at St. Anne’s Church were serving up hotdogs.
Shelia
Warwick Township celebrated Canada Day a little early. Inflatable were set up in Centennial Park
Saturday. Three-year-old Jett Lee of Watford got his face painted at the Warwick-Watford celebrations that took place at Centennial Park in Watford to commemorate Canada Day
Forest JK to Grade 12 to be called Blue Coast
Blake Ellis
The Independent
The soon-to-be built Forest school has a new name.
The Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 school will be called the Blue Coast District School.
In 2023, the Lambton-Kent District School Board announced the yet-to-be built school would be named Lambton Shores Community School. That raised concerns with the Indigenous communities in the region.
At the time of the original naming of the Forest school, Indigenous Trustee Roberta Northmore said using his name was “old colonial thinking.”
But after scanning through 176 different name choices at a committee, the board moved ahead.
Consultation with Kettle and Stony Point First Nation over the school’s name began again when Manager and Chief Executive Officer Verna George of the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation voiced an objection on Nov. 12 on behalf of the First Nation to the school being named after John George Lambton, the first Earl of Durham, who was made Governor General of British North America in 1838.
George called Lambton “a champion of assimilation,” who believed Indigenous people should assimilate into settler culture, something, which George said, has had a devastating impact on Indigenous people. The board and First Nations went to work and the result is Blue Coast District School. Trustees voted unanimously to rescind
the name Lambton Shores Community School. Then trustees voted 9-1 to make the new name Blue Coast, with Northmore, voting against it. Another vote passed 8-2 designating it as a District School.
Vice Chair David Shortt and Trustee Jane Bryce were the two opposing votes in that decision.
“I just want to see the thing built,” said Trustee Greg Agar. “There is not a shovel in the ground. It’s a joke” Agar suggested before the votes the trustees should worry about getting the school built first, then determine what to name it.
People in Forest have come to call the new yet to be built school, the new super school, said Trustee Jane Bryce suggesting, “People are going to call it what it means to them.”
The $39.8 million school will be built next to the Shores Recreation Centre and will bring students from Aberarder Central School, Bosanquet Central School, Kinwood Central School and North Lambton Secondary School under one roof. The Ontario government has proposed new legislation , which would put the naming of new schools in the hands of the provincial government. Trustees were concerned if this new school wasn’t named soon, the naming might be taking out of the boards hands in the future.
It’s still not clear when the construction will begin. “The board is waiting for final approval to proceed from the Ministry. Once final approval is granted, the board will go out to market to procure the contractor,” said Deputy Director of Education, Brian McKay in an email.
DEANS SENIOR OF THE YEAR
“I thought I knew everything that was going on,” said Wayne Deans, as he was presented with the Brooke-Alvinston Senior of the Year Award by Councillor Frank Nemcek. Deans was asked to come to the Canada Day joint church service on Sunday morning at the Alvinston park by his granddaughter who told him her ball team was getting an award. Deans thought something was up, when he arrived at the park and his granddaughter’s team was having a practice on a nearby diamond, and his granddaughter wasn’t participating. “I appreciate it, thanks a lot,” said Deans, when receiving the award. Nemcek called Deans the Sheriff of Inwood as “nothing went on in Inwood that he wasn’t involved in.” Deans was a Brooke-Alvinston council member and was a long time member of the Recreation Board in Inwood where he could always be found around the ball park. Deans served as a volunteer firefighter as well as volunteering at the Brooke-Alvinston and Watford Fall Fair, where he could be found judging the cattle show or helping to organize the charity pie auction that raises money for the Children’s Hospital in London.
Vanni leads local scouts on mission of mercy
Blake Ellis
The Independent
Myles Vanni says the Alvinston community has been very supportive of Lambton Scouts building water wells in Uganda.
Vanni was the guest speaker at the Canada Day Ecumenical church service held at the Brooke-Alvinston-Inwood community centre. Vanni has made five trips to Uganda where Scouts helped to give villages clean drinking water.
“Fresh water is so critical in these communities,” said Vanni. Sixty percent of Uganda does not have access to clean drinking water.
The mission works with the Ugandan Scouts, which identifies villages that need water wells help the group to make a smooth transition into the communities.
The villages have an existing water source – often an open outside pool with a natural spring. These water sources will become contaminated quickly, as animals will walk through it, people will do their laundry or wash their dishes in it. “It becomes just horrible,” said Vanni. Disease and sickness are rampant in villages with contaminated water.
In a five day process, Scouts built a retaining wall to hold the pond. A pipe is placed in the pond and rocks, stones and gravel is used to create a filtration system. It is then capped with clay and soil so that nothing can feed into it. This leads to a constant flow of clear water out of the well, says Vanni. A ditch is then dug from the well, so the fields can be irrigated. The irrigated fields allow for the village to better feed itself and leads to more income as people sell vegetables at market,
The rate of sickness drops dramatically, said Vanni, so children can attend school on a more regular basis. Parents are then able to work,without having to miss time because of illness.
Clean water can also protect a village
against landslides. When a village has a dirty water source, people have to boil their water to purify it, Vanni says. Villagers cut trees to boil water. That can lead to the deforestation of areas around a village leading to landslides since there are no trees to hold a hillside in place in rainy seasons.
Vanni has been involved with these mission trips for the past 20 years, with the first one being to Belize. During a 21-day trip, a Scout group will build two or three water wells.
“Alvinston was a community that was very supportive in undertaking this,” said Vanni. Pastafest was held at the community centre complex and various local organizations supported the trip including the Alvinston and District Optimist Club.
These trips are helping to build life skills among the youth, making them into future leaders, said Vanni. There is a lot of physical work, as the young people are only using shovels, machetes and hoes.
It is not all work, as the group went white water rafting and went on safari in a national park seeing lions, giraffes and elephants in the wild.
The Scouts also went to two schools to play soccer and a parachute game with the children, leaving behind the soccer balls, parachute and well as school supplies.
Vanni said life for the Scouts is vastly different than in Canada. Two teenagers stayed in one room at a guest house and have to share a bed. A lot of times, a toilet was just a hole in the floor. Electricity didn’t work and hot water was sporadic.
“The youth ate more goat in two weeks than they have had in their life time,” said Vanni. He hopes to organize another trip in two years and involve youth from BrookeAlvinston.
Myles
Vanni
Blake Ellis
The Independent
Ham radio enthusiasts tuned into locations throughout North America and the world, connecting with Texas, Argentina, the Caribbean and the Netherlands all from Enniskillen Township.
The Lambton County Radio Club held its annual field day on Saturday and Sunday, for a 24 hour period at Krall Park in Enniskillen Township.
Field day demonstrates ham radio’s ability to work reliably under any conditions from almost any location and create an independent communications network. Over 45,000 people from locations throughout North America participated in field day in 2024.
Eighty-seven-old Noel McLaren of Thedford has been a ham radio enthusiast for the past 47 years, first getting his license in 1978.
As a 13 year old boy, he found a switch on the back of a radio, which allowed him to connect with a short wave station and since then he was hooked.
When the citizen band (CB) radio craze hit, he took classes to learn more and he managed to get his ham radio license in three countries, Canada, the United States and Australia.
When asked how long he has been interested in ham radios, Lee Goldberg of Sarnia said “every since I could walk.” He remembers seeing an AC/DC radio when he was young and watching the tubes light up in the back. He went on to university to study electronic engineering work in that field professionally, before getting a ham radio license in 1990 and returning to his first love as a hobby.
There are 150 to 200 ham radio operators within Lambton County and Sarnia with the club having 35 members said Lambton County Radio Club President Charles Chivers.
The club has been able to attract a dozen new members in recent years.
While the demographic for ham radio operators tend to be older men, the club has been
able to attract a couple of female members.
In an event of an emergency such a weather event where the power is knocked out, ham radio operators can jump into action and provide communications. It has been years since this has happened in Lambton County, Chivers said.
He is looking to rebuild the infrastructure to allow for the radio club to be more effective.
He is searching out where antennas had been placed, knowing that an antenna was once at Lambton College, but had been taken down during renovations. During field day points are
obtained by making voice contacts throughout North America and the world, as well as the use of Morse code.
Field day also acts as an open house for the Lambton County Radio Club as members of the public were able to visit Krall Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Independent of Petrolia and Central Lambton
BLAKE ELLIS PHOTO
Lee Goldberg, left, and Brian Wagner, both of Sarnia, were operating a ham radio at Krall Park on Saturday as part of field day, which had ham radio operators throughout North America showcasing their abilities.
BLAKE ELLIS PHOTO Noel McLaren of Thedford has been a ham operator 47 years.
Jr. Sting grad Nesbitt taken in first round of NHL draft
Barry Wright
The Independent
When the Philadelphia Flyers announced Jack Nesbitt as the 12th pick in the NHL draft in Los Angeles Friday, there was undoubtedly a swell of pride in Alvinston and Petrolia.
Nesbitt’s grandparents still live in Alvinston while his father grew up in the East Lambton community and now lives in Petrolia.
The power forward made recent history with the selection. He became the first player from Sarnia-Lambton taken in the first round since the late Shawn Burr was selected seventh overall by the Red Wings in 1984.
“It feels great,” he said in a media scrum after being selected. “I’m very honoured and excited to get going.”
The Flyers moved up ten spots by trading with the Pittsburgh Penguins for the 12th overall selection before choosing the 18 year-old graduate of the Lambton Jr. Sting AAA program. He now
plays with the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires.
Nesbitt was named one of the most improved players in the OHL this past season where he put up 25 goals and 64 points in 65 regular season games with the Spits.
He added his first career league playoff tally and added nine assists in a dozen postseason contests.
Nesbitt also amassed more than 100 penalty minutes in his 77 regular season and playoff games with the Spits last season.
“I love playing the physical game,” said the 6’5”, 185 lbs. leftshot centreman.
“And putting the puck in the back of the net.”
He joins his former Northern schoolmate Porter Martone who was taken by the Flyers with the sixth overall pick.
Martone and Nesbitt briefly attended the Sarnia high school together after the Sting drafted Martone and Nesbitt was playing minor hockey in his draft year.
Martone was later part of a
Lucky seven for Davis
Barry Wright
The Independent
Corunna’s Owen MacDonald will play the final year of his junior eligibility on home ice.
MacDonald has signed with the PJHL’s Mooretown Flags for the coming season.
An under-18 draft choice by the Sarnia Sting in 2021, the 20-year-old defenceman played parts of three seasons in the OHL before joining the OJHL’s Leamington Flyers last season where had three goals and 17 points in 57 regular season and playoff contests. The Lambton Jr. Sting grad has also played with the Sarnia Legionnaires.
Meantime, Mark Davis is returning for a seventh season as head coach of the Flags in 2025-26.
Jeff Perry and Dawson Vautour are back as assistant coaches and will be joined this season by Corey Laframboise. He replaces Greg Hay who has stepped down due to work commitments.
Mark Davis
blockbuster deal between the Sting and the Mississauga (now Brampton) Steelheads.
Cam Reid, who played a handful of games with the Lambton Jr. Sting program during the 201920 campaign before moving on to prep school in Rochester, New York, was taken in the first round, 21st overall, by the Nashville Predators.
The Preds traded up two spots to take Reid, who has played the past two seasons with the Kitchener Rangers.
As anticipated, the New York Islanders took Matthew Schaefer of the Erie Otters first overall.
Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit was the second selection to San Jose and Brady Martin of the Soo was taken fifth overall by Nashville.
London had players drafted in each of the first three rounds.
Rearguard Henry Brzustewicz was taken late in the first round by the LA Kings, goaltender Alexei Medvedev was selected by Vancouver midway through the
Ex-Jets coach leaves Saginaw Petrolia native hopes to win UFC contract
A former head coach of the then Petrolia Jets has left the coaching ranks of the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit to become an associate coach with the University of Guelph hockey program.
Jake Grimes was an associate coach for the past two seasons with the Spirit including winning a Memorial Cup with the mid-Michigan squad in 2024.
Guelph’s coaching ranks also includes former Legionnaires’ Andrew Masters as the Gryphons goaltending coach. Grimes is the second coach to leave the Spirit organization in recent weeks. Wyoming’s Garrett Rutledge left the Spirit last month to become head coach and general manager of the Athens Rock Lobsters of the Federal Prospects Hockey League.
The Independent Cody Chovancek will be part of Dana White’s UFC Contender Series this season.
The Petrolia native who trains with the Niagara Top Team in St. Catharines is 8-0 as a pro in the bantamweight division.
His latest bout was a unanimous decision against American Jordan Howard defending his Unified MMA title in Toronto in May. He originally won the belt a year ago with a victory over Gage Gill of the US.
The ESPN-based
August.
second round and Noah Read was chosen by Plympton-Wyoming’s
Pat Verbeek and the Anaheim Ducks in the third round.
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS PHOTO VIA TWITTER Lambton Jr. Sting Alumni Jack Nesbitt was chosen in the first round of the NHL draft.
Contender Series begins in
The show features up-and-coming fighters competing for a chance to earn a UFC contract.
PHOTO VIA INSTAGRAM
Petrolia native Cody Chovancek
Legionnaires add to roster for coming season
The Sarnia Legionnaires have signed its sixth, seventh and eighth new player for the 202526 GOJHL campaign.
Will Harding comes to the Legion from the Lambton Jr. Sting under-18 AAA program and Dacian PillonVandenbogaerde signed from the Windsor Jr. Spitfires U18 AAA squad.
Harding, from Bright’s Grove, had 10 goals and 21 points in 39 regular season and playoff games with the Sting. He also played three games last season with the Legionnaires as an affiliated player.
Pillon-Vandenbogaerde had nine goals and 16 points in 43 regular season and playoff games with the Jr. Spits. He’s
NLSS’ Altiman to play
Mariah Altiman is going to continue her volleyball career with the George Brown Huskies in Toronto.
from Chatham.
Earlier, the team signed Carter Pranger on the dotted line.
The Strathroy native split time last season with the PJHL’s Petrolia Flyers and North Middlesex Stars where he had two goals and two assists in 40 regular season and playoff contests.
collegiate volleyball in Toronto
The North Lambton Secondary School grad from Kettle Point has played for a variety of provincial indigenous teams as part of her nine-year career with London of the Ontario Volleyball Association.
“My plan is to be academically successful and will work hard to enhance my skills and demonstrate my commitment to the team dynamic by working hard, attending practices, and doing
my very best to compete at the varsity level in the sport that I love,” she stated in a prepared statement on the George Brown website. She has also played softball in the Wyoming Wranglers system.
Altiman attended Fanshawe College in London last season.
BRIEFLY: Wyoming beats Raiders
The Wyoming scored seven runs in the sixth inning last Friday night at Canton Park to break open a close game and go on to beat Petrolia Raiders, 11-1 in Western Counties
Senior Baseball action. Eric Marsh and Dawson Feenstra both drove in a pair of runs for the Barons. Corey Saunders was the winning pitcher. Eric Lupton suffered the loss. Wyoming is now 5-1-2 on the campaign and Petrolia falls to 3-7.
•••
Jake Murray has signed an OHL deal with the Erie Otters.
The Grand Bend resident was the 12th overall pick by the Pennsylvania team in the OHL Priority Selection in April. He played last season with the Huron-Perth Lakers.
Murray had 24 goals and 56 points in 43 regular season and playoff games in the Alliance League and the OHL Cup.
•••
Players with connections to Petrolia have signed OHL contracts. Matthew Henderson was a first round pick of the Kingston Frontenacs and the Barrie Colts chose Eamon Edgar in the second round. Henderson was drafted 17th overall from the Huron-Perth Lakers and Edgar was selected 35th off the roster of the Sun County Panthers. Edgar was a key cog for the Chatham Maroons on its way to a Sutherland Cup championship in May. He scored eight goals and added nine assists in 15 postseason games as an affiliated player with the Maroons.
•••
Jamie Schaafsma is returning for a second season with the Alvinston Killer Bees as they team transitions to the Northern Premier Hockey League. After being out of
hockey for five seasons, the 42-year-old came out of retirement last season scoring 14 goals and adding 21 assists for 35 points in 21 regular season and playoff games.
The one-time member of the Petrolia Jets has a resume of more than 800 games of professional hockey in North America and Europe.
•••
Josh Denes has been released by the Strathroy Rockets to the Collingwood Blues of the Ontario Junior Hockey League. Denes, a ninth round pick by the Sting in 2024 from the Barrie Colts under-16 AAA team, had 16 goals and 20 assists in 49 games with the Rockets last season. He joins Alvinston’s Hayden Duncan who was acquired by the Blues a month ago and signed with them . Meantime, Nash Jacobs of Walpole Island has signed with the GOJHL’s Komoka Kings. The Saginaw draft choice had 34 goals and 54 points in 41 games last season for the ElginMiddlesex Canucks under-18 squad. His totals included three goals and an assist in five games at the Telus Cup national championship tournament in BC in April.
•••
Tanner Winegard is heading west. The towering defenceman has signed with Langley of the British Columbia Junior Hockey League. The Lambton Jr. Sting grad from Bright’s Grove was originally an 11th round pick by the Windsor Spitfires in 2021. He played 90 regular season games with the OHL team over the past two seasons. He has also seen action with the Sarnia Legionnaires, LaSalle Vipers and London Nationals of the GOJHL.
•••
Ex-Sting Matt Martin will fall just shy of playing 1,000 games in the National Hockey League. His journey will end at 987 games after he announced his retirement from the New York Islanders last week. But he’ll stay with the Islanders as a special assistant to general manager Mathieu Darche. Martin, who averaged more than a point per game playing with the Sting during the Steven Stamkos era nearly two decades ago, was a fifth round pick by the Islanders in 2008. He had two assists in 32 games for the Islanders this season. Martin led the NHL in hits in five straight seasons from 2011-16 and is second in league history with 3,936. •••
Shona Branton has been named to the Canadian swimming team for the World University Games in Germany later this month.
Branton, from Port Lambton and a multi-season star with the Western Mustangs in London, will compete in the 100-meter breaststroke event. The swimming portion of the Games will take place in Berlin from July 17-23.
Some people golf their entire life and never get a holein-one. Ten year-old Hazen Vandenburgt got his first Saturday at on the 10th at Kingswell Glen.
HELLO OLD FRIEND
One of Lambton County’s favourite sons brought the Memorial Cup to Alvinston Thursday. Mark Hunter, general manager of the Memorial Cup Champion London Knights and Oil Springs area stopped with the iconic trophy at the Inwood Variety Store to visit super fans Fred and Donna Oriet and then at Armor’s Ale House in Alvinston, above, where fans like Les Douglas had a chance to talk with Hunter and pose for photos with the Cup. Hunter also stopped in Petrolia at Black Gold Brewery to have a little ale from the iconic trophy. The Knights London Knights won their third Canadian Hockey League championship June 1 with a 4-1 win over Medicine Hat in the Memorial Cup after coming within 22 seconds of winning in 2024.
STRETCHING FOR THE OUT
The Petrolia Raiders took it on the chin in the first game of a Canada Day double header against the Wyoming Cattlebarons. Wyoming beat the Raiders 14-2 in the 2 pm game but the Raiders rebounded to hold the Cattlebarons to just one run in the 7:30 pm game. Wyoming is now 7-1 on the season for second place in the league. The Petrolia Raiders are sixth in the Western County Baseball Association Senior League with a record of three wins and nine losses this season. The pair go head to head again Saturday at 1 pm at Morrison Field.
PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK
Classified Deadline:
Death Notices
June 24th - June 30th, 2025
TUESDAY, JUNE 24TH
EAGLESON, Dave
Age: 75, of Chatham, formerly of Dresden Badder F.H. & Reception Centre
ELEK, Endre Andrew
“Andy”
Age: 95 Smith Funeral Home
FORBES, Larry John
Age: 82 Smith Funeral Home
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25TH
HOLLEY, Raymond James
Age: 102 Smith Funeral Home
VEENKAMP, Robert “Bob”
Age: 94 Smith Funeral Home
WYGERGANGS, Herman (Gulhelmus Josephus)
Age: 78
Denning’s of Watford
THURSDAY, JUNE 26TH
BROWN, John Zavier
Age: 81
D.J. Robb Funeral Home
DUNN, Carol Ann
Age: 77, of Sarnia McKenzie & Blundy Funeral Home
LAWTON, John Barrie
Age: 77 Smith Funeral Home
MANSFIELD, Larry Charles
Age: 80, of Wyoming Needham-Jay - Wyoming Chapel
SMITH, Donald Beverly Age: 94 Knight Funeral Home
FRIDAY, JUNE 27TH
TIMPERLEY, Isabelle Annie (nee Tremaine) Age: 94 Needham-Jay Funeral Home
SATURDAY, JUNE 28TH
BRAAKSMA, John Age: 86 Denning’s of Forest BOYINGTON, Myrtle Marguerite (nee West) Age: 95
Steadman Brothers Funeral Home
CURTS, Willa Mae (nee Borthwick)
Age: 94 Smith Funeral Home
DEPELSMAEKER, Richard Age: 83, of Newbury VanHeck Funeral Home
SUNDAY, JUNE 29TH
MUSSIO, Egidio Luciano Age: 90
McKenzie & Blundy Funeral Home
Celebration of Life Notice for Helene & Crawford Dales
Drop in at their home, 4464 LaSalle Line, Petrolia from 3 to 6 PM on Saturday, July 19. No flowers or donations are needed, just bring yourselves and some memories to share
Obituary
MANSFIELD
Larry Charles It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Larry Charles Mansfield, of Wyoming, Ontario, on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the age of 80, at CEE Hospital of Bluewater Health in Petrolia. After a period of health struggles, Larry briefly found comfort in the Bear Creek Terrace Community in Petrolia. Larry leaves behind his devoted children, Brenda (the late Ted) Mansfield-Brooks, and Greg Mansfield, as well as his cherished granddaughter, Jordyn Brooks. He is also survived by his siblings: John (Shirley) Mansfield, and their children, Brad (Tracey) Mansfield and Annette Edgar;
and his sister, Beth Dolan, along with several great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving parents, Mervin and Meryl Mansfield, and his nephew, Christopher Mansfield. Larry spent 30 years as a farm drainage contractor and another 20 years as a salesman at Bruce Tile, earning respect and admiration throughout his career. His heart was always drawn to the natural beauty of Lions Head, Ontario, where he spent his vacation over the past 40 years. Larry cherished these visits—enjoying the serenity of nature, the thrill of fishing, and the simple pleasure of savoring special meals each day. Known for his love of hockey and his social nature, Larry’s warm presence will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the broader community. He was a true joy to be around, and his absence leaves a void that will be felt by all who knew him. A funeral service to celebrate Larry’s life was held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Wyoming Chapel of NeedhamJay Funeral Home. Interment was in Wyoming Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 388 in Wyoming. Donations can be made by cheque only, at the funeral home. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.NeedhamJay.com
Thank You
From the family of Doug Harris would like to thank the EMS Drivers, Dr. Kim + Sam, All the Staff at Bluewater Hospitial CEE site in Petrolia, Adam Steadman, Minister Brian Baxter, & the United Chirch of Oil Springs for the wonderful luncheon. Everyone whom donated + sent flowers, Also the hospitial visits. Thank-you, Evon, Clyde, Cindy Harold, Martha Laura + families “Until we meet again”
Obituary
BOYINGTON
Myrtle Marguerite (nee West)
Born Mar. 8, 1930 – Sarnia, Ontario
Died June 28, 2025 – Petrolia Ontario
Survived by her husband of 75 years, William E. Boyington, & their children, Bill Boyington (Linda), Cathy Davidson (Ron) & Danny Boyington; also 9 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren & several great-great-grandchildren, nieces & nephews. Predeceased by her parents, Edgar ‘Bruce’ West & Alice ‘Marie’ West, her brother & sister-in-law Bruce & Marg West, & her brother Willard West. Myrt graduated from SCITS secondary
In Memoriam
school. In her younger years, she loved to dance including tap, ballet & Celtic, & also taught tap dancing. Bill & Myrt often went dancing at Kenwick-on-the-Lake in Bright’s Grove & they rollerskated at Rose Gardens & ‘Mike’s roller rink’ in Point Edward. She enjoyed watching her husband, their kids & friends downhill ski on ‘Mount BooBoo’ in their back yard. Myrt worked in the office of the family business in Brigden for several years. She liked to sew & knit, & made sweaters for family & friends. She was a member of the Brigden Women’s Institute & the UCW (United Church Women). She loved to sing & was a member of the ‘Seaway Sounds’ (Sweet Adelines chorus) in Sarnia for several years. Myrt was a fierce mama bear who loved her family very much. She will be dearly missed by Bill & their entire family. Family and friends will be received at Steadman Brothers Funeral Chapels, Brigden on Monday, July 7, 2025 from 2:00pm until the time of the service at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, sympathy may be expressed through donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice (www. stjosephospice.ca), C.E.E. Hospital Foundation (www.ceehf.ca) or Bear Creek Terrace Day Activities. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www. steadmanbrothers.ca.
In loving memory of our dear mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Mildred, who passed away July 3, 1984 and our dear father, grandfather and great grandfather, Gerald, who passed away Aug. 9, 2007. Remembrance is a golden chain
Death tries to break but all in vain.
To have, to love and then to part
Is the greatest sorrow of one’s heart.
Time may wipe out many things, But this they wipe out never; The memory of those happy days When we were all together
Deeply loved and always remembered by the Mitchell Family
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sat 4:30p Brigden Meat Raffle @ Brigden Legion
Sat 3:30p Forest Meat Raffle @ Forest Legion 519-786-5357
Sat 6p Alvinston Catch The Ace @ Alvinston Legion 519-898-2100
AND OLD “STUFF” Call Chad Howlett at 519-639-9102 chadnlyndsay@yahoo.ca
St. Andrew’s HOT DOG FRIDAY
blessings we will continue to receive these generous donations and keep this much needed program going.
Donations can be made by cheque, online through our website standrews-petrolia.ca or etransfer to hotdogprogram@gmail.com.
The publisher of this newspaper, The Independent of Petrolia and Central Lambton, reserves the right to clarify or refuse any advertisement based on its sole discretion. The publisher reserves the right to reject, discontinue or omit any advertisement without notice or penalty to either party. Liability for errors or non-insertion is limited to the amount
for the cost of space occupied by the error. Claims of errors must be made prior to the next publication date
