> Woolverton accident sends four to hospital Pg 4 > Niagara West duo off to Special Olympics in Italy Pg 6 > NPCA grows tree planting program
The Oosterhoffs - Sullivan, 4, Keri and Sam - were all smiles on election night at Smithville’s Royal Canadian Legion as Sam rolled to a decisive Niagara West
Oosterhoff takes Niagara West, PC majority for Ontario
By Joanne McDonald For NewsNow
Sam Oosterhoff was returned to power Thursday in a definitive win both for him in Niagara West and his majority government-forming Progressive Conservatives.
After winning his last four elections, it was more of a home-
coming as he walked through the door to greet party faithful at the Smithville Legion on election night.
Oosterhoff won the riding with more than 50 per cent of the vote. He told the crowd he was honoured by the mandate from constituents, crediting his ‘intrepid’ doorknockers for con-
necting with the community, and staff for responding to local issues.
The next four years won’t be easy he warned, with threats coming from south of border that will impact the cost of living and a lot of jobs which are dependent on trade.
“There is a lot of work ahead of
us,” Oosterhoff said. “I will be responsible to each and every one of you.”
His focus will be continuing to build Ontario, including delivering the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, widening the QEW and getting GO Grimsby built.
“Thank you for the trust you’ve
See ELECTED, Page 3
Riding victory with more than 50 per cent of the votes. McDonald - Photo
ELECTED
From Page 1 put in me and I promise to continue to work hard to represent our values.”
Poll results poured in fast after 9 p.m. giving the PCs a solid lead from the start. Oosterhoff won with 22,316 votes, 50.23 per cent of the votes cast. Liberal candidate Shauna Boyle was in second place with 11,091 votes, 24.96 per cent. Former Pelham mayor Dave Augustyn who finished second in the 2022 election, moved to third place with 7312 votes, 16.46 per cent.
Mark Harrison, Green Party, won 2009 votes; Aaron Albano, New Blue Party, 678 votes; Aaron Allison, Ontario Party, 629 votes, Stefanos Karatopis, Libertarian, 326 votes; and Jim Torma, Populist Ontario, 71 votes.
For Premier Doug Ford this marks a third straight major-
ity government. The PCs secured 80 (of 124) seats, the NDP returns as the official Opposition with 27 seats, and the Liberals have regained official party status with 14 seats. The Greens won two seats and Independent, one seat.
Oosterhoff will have the sole PC voice in the Niagara Region. Three of the four ridings returned NDP incumbents including Jeff Burch, Niagara Centre, Wayne Gates, Niagara Falls, and Jennie Stevens, St. Catharines.
Around 45 per cent of eligible voters cast their ballots, one point higher than in 2022, when just 44 per cent answered the call, the lowest voter turnout in election history.
Niagara West recorded a stronger voter turnout of 54.76 per cent, almost 10 points higher than the provincial run.
In Loving Memory of Hal Dyck
Main West Men’s Wear would like to express their sincere condolences to the Dyck family with the passing of Hal. Hal was a dedicated manager of Main West Men’s Wear (and Andres Men’s Wear prior to this) for more than 30 years, displaying a passion for providing service and quality clothing for the local community and beyond. We miss Hal and I know that many of our customers do as well.
Main West Men’s Wear has always been and will work hard to remain a vital component of Grimsby’s heritage downtown core. We continue to carry the traditional quality of men’s wear and invite you to drop by and check out the new lines we carry for our classy and youthful population - lines with style and ultimate comfort. Whether you are looking for great looking travel attire or casual business sport jackets, shirts, or pants - we can put together a classic, trendy, or stand-out look to match your personal style. You want to look your best as you dress for success, and we’re here to help.
“We worked hard and we need to continue to deliver,” said Tony Joosse, President of the Niagara West PC riding Association.
“Sam is well respected in the party and we are hoping and expecting a return to cabinet,” Joosse said.
Oosterhoff was just 19 when he won a seat as the youngest MPP in provincial history in 2016. Now 27, he was the youngest cabinet minister, appointed last June as associate minister of energy-intensive industries.
BACK ON THE JOB
Oosterhoff was back on the job Friday. In a letter to Premier Ford he outlined the work ahead:
Protect Ontario workers and jobs from the threat presented by President Trump’s tariffs and whatever it takes to have the backs of impacted workers and businesses.
Build infrastructure by expanding the QEW between Burlington and St. Catharines, delivering the new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital and building the Grimsby GO station.
Keep costs down by making the gas tax cut permanent, reducing taxes and red tape for entrepreneurs and job creation, and continuing to put money back into people’s pockets.
Work for workers by investing in the skilled trades and provide more opportunities to retrain workers for better jobs and bigger pay cheques.
Improve access to healthcare by training more family doctors, building two new medical schools, provide tuition supports for doctors and nurses in underserved areas, and continue to invest in mental healthcare and addictions recovery.
Single-vehicle accident under investigation
Four people - two adults, two childrenwere sent to hospital following a single-vehicle accident on Woolverton Road in Grimsby on Sunday evening.
About 9:35 p.m. police, fire and emergency services were called to the scene finding near Kemp Road a black Ford F150 was travelling south on Woolverton Road south of Kemp Road, when the vehicle lost control, exited the road way and rolled over an undetermined amount of times, ejecting an adult driver and an adult passenger.
The driver was transported to an out of region hospital with life threatening injuries; the passenger with non-life threatening injuries.
Two children under the age of 16 were transported to an out of region hospital with serious injuries.
NRPS Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating, call 905688-4111, option 3, badge 1008389 with any information.
Active Living Fair this Friday
An Active Living Fair is set to go this Friday, March 7, at Mountainview Christian Reformed
More than 40 vendors, with snacks and re freshments, will be part of the day for the free admission event hosted by the Town of Grims
The is no set programming, so visitors can
Niagara West athletes to represent Canada at Special Olympics World Winter Games
By Joanne McDonald For NewsNow
West Niagara Special Olympics is sending two athletes to represent Canada at the Special Olympics World Winter Games, March 8-15 in Turin, Italy.
It’s not easy to get there - to achieve the elite status that puts an athlete within reach of the gold - and last week the local com-
munity exploded with pride at a pep rally held to cheer them all the way.
Power house athletes Ewen Barclay, speed skater and Carter Simpson, alpine skier, will join 1500 athletes from 102 countries. The Flame of Hope is already on the move being carried to its ultimate destination to Turin and the athletes who are redefining what is possible.
“As soon as Carter could walk he was clomping around in ski boots,” said his mom AnnLiz Simpson.
By the age of five he was on the ski hills with his family and next week, now 31, Carter will be on the ski hills in Turin, Italy, rep-
resenting Canada. He also plays basketball, five and 10 pin bowling, curling, track and field, soccer, bocce ball and golf.
“In Calgary, at Nationals, Carter won a Bronze the first day in GS, a Gold the second day in Super G and a silver the third day in Slalom. The trifecta.”
“We are all so incredibly proud of him and the entire family is flying over to cheer him on,” Simpson said.
“Ewen is thrilled to have the opportunity to represent Canada,” said her mom Diane Barclay. “To have the chance to compete in the sport she loves with the best SO skaters in the world is a dream come true. We can’t wait for her to have the experience of her life She is so deserving,” Barclay said.
and track and field, soccer and kayaking in the summer. She started speedskating in 2019 and trains at the Hamilton Speedskating Club, where she skates with the mainstream skaters.
That is my reward.”
Kim Bartlett, head coach – athletics has watched both Ewen and Carter work hard to reach the top of their sport.
been a blessing to us all,” Bartlett said. “It has been a joy to have Ewen in the club.”
March 8th
“We are privileged to have Carter in West Niagara as he is a member of our basketball team and also our athletics team. Carter always puts his best effort into everything he does and it has truly paid off for him,” Bartlett said. He was in Quebec earlier this month training for Turin.
R.C.L. Branch 612 5545 King St., Beamsville 905-563-4612 MEAT
3:00 pm until sold out Licence #M872122
Ewen represented Team Ontario at the Special Olympics National Winter Games in Calgary, Alberta in February 2024, where she earned four Gold medals and skated to personal bests in all four of her races.
“Having the opportunity to skate within an inclusive environment not only allows her to learn from elite level coaches, but also to learn from the skaters themselves. It has been an awesome experience and we are so grateful for her HSSC family,” Barclay said.
“Her goal was to become a member of Special Olympics Team Canada and after five years of hard work, she was named to the team in June 2024.”
Ewen is a multisport athlete, participating in basketball, curling and speedskating in the winter
Right about here it’s fair to say that the parents of both Ewen and Carter also deserve medals for the time, effort and commitment it takes to support their children’s athletic pursuits.
Carter’s mom laughs. “My heart is so full watching him ski.
Ewen currently competes in basketball, curling, speed skating, athletics and soccer. Besides qualifying to move on to the World Winter Games, she has also qualified in two sports to move on to the Provincial Summer Games later on this year .
“Ewen is a true athlete. Her sportsmanship, support for other teammates and coaches, and her desire to learn and continue to grow are an asset to all of our teams. Ewen has been training hard to get to this point and we wish her the best in Turin,” Bartlett said. “Her energy and positive mindset have
“This has been an amazing experience for him so far and we wish him all the best once he gets there,” Bartlett said.
“It’s not easy,” said Kim Posavad basketball team manager. “To get to the worlds you have to go to regional qualifiers and win enough to go to the provincials. From there it’s on to the nationals.” Posavad’s son Benjamin competed in track and field at the Summer Games in Athens in 2011 when he was 15.
Power house athletes Carter Simpson and Ewen Barclay were given a rousing send off at a Grimsby rally for them last month.
EWEN BARCLAY
CARTER SIMPSON
closet & spa-like ensuite bath. Beautifully finished top-to-bottom, and so much more! A pleasure to show. $699,800
Built by Giuliana Homes Ltd. Located near waterfront and across from park in most desirable neighbourhood. 9-foot ceilings, 2.5 baths, hardwood
Denture & Implant Professionals
A $2.3 million grant from Natural Resources Canada is helping Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority move into the next phase of its 2 Billion Trees program.
Since the program’s initial launch, NPCA and its partners have built a strong foundation for this multi-year environmental initiative.
Home Health Care
OFFERING
•
•
•
•
•
By increasing tree cover and density, the program will expand urban canopy cover, enhance local parks, improve air quality, and provide muchneeded shade.
With strong municipal participation, these efforts serve as nature-based solutions to climate challenges, fostering healthier and more sustainable communities.
Since 2023, NPCA has planted 120,000 trees and shrubs through the Trees for All program. The 2 Billion Trees funding will now accelerate planting efforts.
ROBERT JAMES, Sales Representative
Office: 905-945.1234
Email: robertjames@royallepage.ca
GRIMSBY LEGION
233 Elizabeth St., Grimsby • 905-945-8421
Thursdays, 2 pm - 8:15 pm
Jackpot estimated at $22,000. License #RAF1420676
LIVe eNteRtaINMeNt
KARAOKE - March 7, 8 pM
FeatURING Rock SaUce
Friday, March 14, 7 pm
Special guest / Radio edit enter by Donation Proceeds to McNally House
LINe DaNcING INStRUctIoN
Tuesdays, March 11, 18, 25 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Facebook: Grimsby Legion Grimsby Legion Supports YOUR Local Community catch the ace
HAT TRICK HOCKEY
• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Teddy’s Food, Fun & Spirits, Harrison Lecinski
• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Jordan Flowers, Sean Jacobson
• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Judge & Jester, Sean Heywood
• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Canadian Tire, Rob Greenwood
• Large, 3-Item Pizza, Pick-Up Only, courtesy of Gino’s Pizza, Terry Melnyk
• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Memphis BBQ, Jim Pryer Winners can stop by the NewsNow office to pick up their winnings
Top Standings
1. Zdriluk, Jacob 1120
2. Shantz, Rick ......... 1104
3. Graham, Dave ...... 1101
4. DeVries, Harry 1099
5. Langley, Carolyn 1096
6. Buys, Carl 1092
7. R R & H 1087
8. Cino, Chuck.......... 1086
9. Kurpis, Steve ........ 1086
10. Faseruk, Mark 1086
SAM OOSTERHOFF
Thank you, Niagara West, for the
I will work tirelessly with our strong team locally and across the
I am grateful to you!
11. Tee, Mister 1085
12. Crete, Max 1084
13. Troud, William .... 1083
14. Keywood, Kevin 1082
15. Rose, Briar 1082
16. Oxford, Bill 1082
17. Fielding, Don 1081
18. eam Moonstone .. 1080
19. Porkolab, Matthew 1080
20. Dunda, Riley 1079
craddock, ronald clarence
Passed away peacefully at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Grimsby, on Saturday February 22, 2025 at the age of 93. Loving husband and best friend of the late Joyce Craddock (2012). Dear father of Karrie (Leslie) Hatton, Debra-Lee (Said) Estephan, Anne Craddock (Grant Little) and Stanley Craddock (Rosario Bayle). Devoted grandfather of Mathew (Amanda), Lee (Ingrid), Jenna (Michael) Aaron, Tara, Derrick (Amy), Michelle (Michael), Cory, Virginia (Damien), Andrew Molinari (Stephanie Case) and loving great-grandfather of Leah, Eesah, Jamison, Elton, Will, Christien, Fiero, Everett, Ninella, Cooper and Hannah. Dear friend of Sylvia Howe. Also missed by siblings Terry (Lynda) and David (Christine). Predeceased by brothers Wayne, Garry and sister Caroline Scattolon. He was friendly, curious and industrious. He enjoyed all the adventures and opportunities life presented. Loved by many, he will be missed.
FURNISS, Patricia Diane (nee Webb)
Peacefully on Friday, February 21, 2025. Beloved wife of the late Richard Furniss (2022). Awesome Mom of Sean (Terri). Dear sister of Shirley Nichols. She will be missed by her nieces, Amy and Kerri (Bruce); great-aunt of Jorja & Addy. She enjoyed travelling, watching the birds, gardening and spent her down time enjoying a good book. She was active as a volunteer with the Dialysis Unit and The Humane Society.
In honouring Patricia’s wishes private family arrangements have taken place. Memorial donations to Humane Society Greater Niagara would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 26 Nihan Drive, St. Catharines (between Lake Street & Scott Street), 289-362-1144. Online condolences may be made at CCBSCares.ca
winger, ernie
March 1, 1958 - March 2, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear brother and uncle.
Son of the late Wray and Mary Winger. Brother to Betty (Lloyd) Bundy, Nancy (Bob) Fish, Joan (Randy) O’Brien, Joyce (Ted) Lumsden.
Loving Uncle to Kim (Jamie), Dawn (Mike), Darrell (Amy), Jonathan, Mary, Michael, Harold (Linda), Barbara (Ralph), Allan (Jennifer), Gerry(Sara), Victoria. Great uncle to Katelynne (Devon), Lauren (Josh), Victoria (Chris), Trent, Wesley, Maverick, Max. Great Uncle to Charlie, Emerson, Amelia, Layla and Cooper.
Ernie was known for his excellent mechanical skills and for his love of talking, telling jokes and lots of stories.
He was an important part of our lives and he will be missed.
Visitation will take place at Merritt Funeral Home, Smithville Ontario on Friday, March 7,2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Union Cemetery, Smithville Everyone is welcome to come and share Ernie’s life.
Degraaf, Leonard
It It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our brother Leonard (Len or Lenny to many) DeGraaf on March 1, 2025 at the age of 59.
We miss him dearly and we will always remember his gentle and kind nature, even when at times his life’s journey was difficult.
As his surviving brothers and sister we will be arranging a special memorial service for him sometime in the future. Please check his obituary page on tallmanfunerahomes.ca for details when arrangements are in place.
Online condolences at www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca
judge, Shirley (nee Bennett)
Our dear mother Shirley Judge (Bennett) sadly passed away on Saturday March 1, 2025 at the age of 86 years old, surrounded by family. She was predeceased by her husband Roger (2023) and brother Jim. Shirley was the oldest of 10 children and was born in Newfoundland.
She was a loving mom to 5 children, Monte, Morgan (Andrea), Michael, Janet (Doug) and Anne.
Shirley’s 10 grandchildren Jarret, Jocelyn, Jennifer, Jacob, Riley, Alexis, Stefan, Rebecca, Adam and Vanessa and 3 great grandchildren Tatum, Shia and Millie were her pride and joy.
She was an avid volunteer and attended church daily at St. Helen’s Church.
She was greatly loved and will be forever cherished and dearly missed, especially Rosie the cat.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 6-8pm at the Vineland Chapel of Tallman Funeral Homes (3277 King St.)
Funeral Mass will be held at St. Helen Roman Catholic Church (4106 Mountain St, Beamsville) on Wednesday March 5th, 2025 at 11am. Online condolences at www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca
tufford, Valerie Joan
On February 26, 2025, surrounded by family , our sister passed away at the age of 80, at Hotel Dieu Shaver Hospital, St. Catharines. Val is predeceased by her mother (Blanche Glintz), her father (John Tufford) and her brother Rick. She is survived by Bob (Pat), Dianne (Al), Gary (Carole), Bill, Lori (Ted), Carol (Joe), and Nancy (Grant), and many nieces and nephews.
As per Val’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and no service.
The family would like to thank staff at Hotel Dieu Shaver and St. Catharines Hospitals for their care and compassion.
Val’s love for Pepsi and her cat (Belle) did not go unnoticed.
Val, you will be missed by all. Have a Pepsi for us.
“Ohhh, that’s good”!
Online condolences at www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca
OBITUARIES
Kamphuis, hendriK Jan (John)
Passed away at Shalom Manor, on Monday, March 3, 2025, in his 98th year. Beloved husband of the late Willemina. Loved father of Hank Kamphuis (Valerie), Gerald Kamphuis (Jane), Joanne McIsaac (Alan), John Kamphuis (Heather), Bernadine Gerrits (late Klaas), Wilma Harris (Ted),Tony Kamphuis (Ruth Ann) and Christina Bezemer (William). Cherished Opa of Matthew (Lacy), Nick (Bethany Trainor), Mitchell, Amber Paglia; Alissa Kamphuis (Tyler Trainor), Marty (Dani), Kris (Dorothy), Anthony; Andrew McIsaac (Martine), Joshua McIsaac (Faith), Stephen McIsaac, Michael McIsaac (Emily); Andrea Hearn (Jamie), Carolyn McCarville (Nick); Rachel Koughan (Trevor), Isaac Gerrits (Emily), Hannah Gerrits (Jonathan Authier); Amanda Zorn (Charles), Brent Harris (Lauren), Kelly Harris Van Beilen (Nate), Mitchell Harris (Hayley Fallesen); Calvin, John, Alexandra Weinhardt (Andrew); Kyle Bezemer (Michelle Marano), Tallia VanGeest (Peter), Shannon De Boer (Brady), Makenna Thiessen (Kyle), Sophia Bezemer (Samuel Cross) and 38 Great Grandchildren. Hendrik Jan (John) Kamphuis was born on June 1, 1927, in Eefde, Holland. He was the 7th of 15 children born to Hendrikus and Berendina (Menkveld) Kamphuis. His experiences as a teenager during WWII and later as part of the Dutch Army serving in Indonesia profoundly influenced who he was as a person. Throughout his life, his positive outlook and his “God has blessed us so richly” mindset, was a constant witness to God’s goodness.
On Jan 18, 1952, he married Willemina Johanna Enserink and in July of 1953, they emigrated to PEI, Canada with their 6-month-old son, Hank. While on PEI, they were host to many immigrant families and singles and were instrumental in founding the Christian Reformed Church in Charlottetown. Through dedicated study, Jan went from being trained as baker, to an Administrator of a Home for the Aged. During these years on PEI, Gerald, Joanne, John, Bernadine, Wilma, Tony and Christina were born.
In 1979, he and Wil felt called to help set up Shalom Manor, a Christian Nursing Home in Grimsby, Ontario where he worked as administrator for 14 years. He continued as a faithful volunteer there after his retirement and many residents eagerly looked forward to his upbeat visits. He loved to minister to the elderly by singing and praying with them.
As a leader, Jan was well loved. He was personable and connected genuinely with others, whether they were supervisors, colleagues or part of the staff.
The Kamphuis home was a place where people loved to gather. Recent immigrants, hordes of Young People, multiple generations of family and friends, widows and widowers . . . all were welcomed for a meal and a game of cards. Servant-hearted Jan had a gentle, accepting way about him and this coupled with a good sense of humour, made him someone whose company was easy to enjoy. He was a loving husband for over 73 years. and a father whose children never doubted his love and affection. As they aged, and Mom experienced health and mobility issues, Dad was an unwavering support to her.
James 3:13 asks “Who is wise and understanding among you? He should show his works by good conduct with wisdom’s gentleness.” This describes perfectly our Vader Jan - Husband, Dad, Opa, Birdie Opa, Oom, Administrator, Church Elder and most importantly, Child of God.
On March 3, 2025, just two weeks after the passing of his beloved wife Willemina, Jan went to be with his Saviour and Lord where we know he will repeat what he told all of us so often: that he is “Great, wonderful, couldn’t be better!”
Visitation at STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, Grimsby (905-9452755) on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Service of Remembrance will be held at Mountainview Christian Reformed Church, 290 Main Street East, Grimsby, Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 11 a.m. Private burial at Grimsby Mountain Cemetery prior to the Service. If desired, memorial contributions to Shalom Manor, 12 Bartlett Avenue, Grimsby, L3M 4N5, would be sincerely appreciated by the family. www.smithsfh.com
rawden, John Graham
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Graham Rawden, who left us on February 20, 2025, in his 88th year, while surrounded by loving family and lifelong friends. He will be forever remembered for his laughter, fighting spirit, and creativity.
John leaves behind his wife Josephine (nee Galletley) who was by his side for over 66 years. John is also survived by his daughter Gina Versluys, son-in-law Tom, and their daughter Dana. John had chosen to be called Pops by his granddaughter, but it became apparent early on that she was saying “Putz” instead. And that name continued. They shared a special bond of sarcasm and teasing and it always ended in laughter.
John is also survived by lifelong friends, Jim and Jane Griffin, of Hamilton and will be lovingly remembered by family in the UK and in Arizona. They all have special memories of his laughter and love for life.
As per John’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral service or celebrations of life. If desired, donations to McNally House hospice would be appreciated by the family. The staff at McNally House took beautiful care of John and his family over the last two weeks. From medical care, to snacks, to much needed hugs, they are a special group of people.
prevost, Bernard Kenneth (Bernie)
Passed away at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, in his 101st year. Beloved husband of the late Olga (nee Romaniuk) (December/2024). Loved father of Kathy Dick (Michael). Cindy Termorshuizen (Rob), Patti Cymbalisty (Ray), Karen Taylor (Peter) and David Prevost (Mel). Cherished grandfather of Anne Pedersen (Scott), Jackie Termorshuizen (Chris), Kristen Dal Bianco (Mark), Brandon Cymbalisty, Melanie Cymbalisty, Andrew Taylor (Danielle) and Zachary Taylor and great-grandfather of Spencer, Sullivan, Emersyn, Avery and Weston. Dear brother of Helen Latka and the late Bill, Arnold and Lorne Prevost, Pearl Morris and Theresa MacPherson and brother-in-law of the late Walter, John and Nestor Romaniuk. Visitation took place at STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY (905-945-2755) on Sunday, March 2, 2025 from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. with Prayer Vigil at 3 p.m. Funeral Mass took place at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 135 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby on Monday, March 3, 2025 at 11 a.m. with burial at Queen’s Lawn Cemetery. If desired, memorial contributions to GBF Community Services or the Grimsby Legion Br. 127 would be sincerely appreciated by the family.
www.smithsfh.com
OBITUARIES
Myers, James edward “Jim”
Peacefully, at home on Monday, February 24, 2025 in his 89th year. Beloved husband of Gwen (nee Bivand) of 64 years. Loving father of Bradley (Jane), Charlene (Dave) and Russ (Heather). Proud Grandpa /GG/Old Man of James (Ponni), Kristen (Kyle), Samantha (Jon), Tracy (Miguel), Wesley, Abby and Caleb; and greatGrandpa of Emilia, Finn, Eric and Holly. Dear brother of John, Mary, Karen, Tannis and Melva. Jim will be missed by his several nieces, nephews and their families. Gwen’s family, The Bivand’s, will miss his unique sense of humour for which he was known to many. Long time employee of Camco in Hamilton and related companies across Canada. Jim was active as a Scout Leader for over 25 years, a volunteer for the Benevolent Fund in Grimsby. Camping was a big part of early life; he put his skills toward various projects such as building canoes and he enjoyed time in the garden tending the gladiolas.
In honouring Jim’s wishes private a family memorial service has taken place. Memorial donations to W.L.M.H. or Grimsby Benevolent would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 26 Nihan Drive, St. Catharines (between Lake Street & Scott Street), 289-362-1144. Online condolences may be made at CCBSCares.caf
BOOKKEEPING
Personal & CorPorate taX
PUBLIC NOTICE
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
Look who ’s ONE!
Jaxson Matthew Terrence Allingham, born to parents Michael Allingham and Cassandra Dixon on March 7, 2024, is celebrating his first birthday this week. Jaxson is one of four generations born at WLMH:
Neil Allingham (Great Papa, born February 1953)
Paul Allingham (Papa, born August 1976)
Michael Allingham (Dad, born October 1996)
Jaxson Allingham (Son, born March 2024)
Happy 1st Birthday Jaxson!!!
Love, Great Papa & Great Grandma Allingham
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
me and my Wife PaintinG. We paint your home like it’s our home. residential painting, door spraying, wall treatment, refinishing and painting household furniture. specializing in small residential jobs. Call/text us for a quote today. Doug and sylvana 905-979-2151
sPeCialized in CarPentryPainting, small renovations, Fence & Decks. hardwood & vinyl Flooring, Power Washing senior discounts. serving all West niagara. Call angelo 289-439-1485
serViCes available for small to medium size businesses. specialized in service industry and property management. Please Contact shushma. email: integerbooks4@gmail. com phone number 647-221-5569 need CasH $$$
Bartlett storaGe Bartlett, road Beamsville. Delinquent account for storage unit. Last attempt to contact for storage unit number B4. if the renter of unit B4 does not contact us and make payment before March 20, 2025, liquidation of the unit will result.
GARDEN PLOTS FOR RENT CARS
Community Gardens 20 plots available. Christ Our saviOur Lutheran ChurCh. For inquiries please call: 905-631-2874
Cars, truCks, old farm machinery for scrap or repair. We pay cash. Flatbed service. 905-386-6181 or 289-686-5059.
HVaC licensed Gas technician • installation, service Maintenance
• heating, Cooling, Gas Lines • Local Free Quotes • references upon request. Call Blake 365-889-7838
i pay it for all your old hockey mags, books, hockey news, programs, ticket stubs and cards. Do your spring cleaning now. any questions. Call tim 905-5103658 - Beamsville.
ruBBisH & Junk remoVal. Call Ken 905-973-3235
100% Niagara owned & operated
Our Team:
Publisher - Mike Williscraft mike@wn3.ca
289-442-4244
General Manager - Catherine Williscraft
Sales Consultant - Erica Huisman
Graphics - Donna Wisnoski
NewsNow is owned & operated by 1602207 Ontario Ltd.
NewsNow is published EVERY Thursday & delivered to all homes & businesses in Niagara West, 29,006
Happy results
Successful Niagara West MP candidate Sam Oosterhoff, centre, gave his door-knocking team credit for supporting his path to victory at election night festivities at Smithville’s Royal Canadian Legion. McDonald - Photo
Boo Elections Ontario
Something to clear up post-provincial election: you can debate the merits of the snap election process which unfolded last week, but we can all agree Elections Ontario (EO) tanked when it came to communications. Premier Doug Ford followed proper protocols when he called the election and many called, emailers and texters put the blame for no voter cards or polling information showing up at their doors before Thursday, if at all. At our place in Grimsby, Sam Oosterhoff’s poll updatewhich he did on his own as it was EO responsibility - was delivered by Canada Post on Friday morning. In general, 10 times more inquiries came about polling stations from across Niagara West came into our office. We’ve never seen anything like it. So communication was bad, that’s for sure, but direct your ire in the proper direction on this one. M.W.
Time to Rock The Red?
This space will not be filled with Trumpfest 2.0 this week, but there are a couple of tidbits which need to be added.
Last week’s column generated a lot of feedback - in particular the recognition of 45/47 as little more than a terrorist.
Key this week was Trump cutting off Ukraine’s military aid, while at the same time sending $4 billion in support to Israel.
So, if Trump thinks military support of an ally should be transactional, what is Trump demanding in return from Israel for his multi-billion handout?
It seems he does not interpret helping Israel as transactional - making Trump partially trans... actional.
Now, enough about that, but we will talk tariffs and, not even tariffs so much as how Canadians can or should react to them.
There is a lot of patriotism welling up and that’s great. When the separatist set in Quebec gets on board the Canada train it does not matter the reason...it is a very good thing.
Even Pierre Poilievre has changed his tactics, largely dropping his Trump-like inflammatory comments for national and policy based comments. That, too, is a very good thing.
No doubt, this tariff action will cause some pain - more for some sectors than others in terms of job impacts - but all consumers will feel it somewhere.
One thing most Canadians can agree on is we do not do well at the chestthumping national pride stuff the way our friends south of the border do.
Now, I had not heard of this until Sunday night when an email arrived in my inbox from William Bezemer suggesting timing may be right for the country to get behind the “Wear Red On Friday” movement.
Currently, there are many who do just that to support our troops in Canada and abroad, so that would certainly continue as part of any program.
However, it makes a lot of sense to expand the interpretation of wearing red on Friday to include first responders and Canada as a whole.
Simple, yet such action can make all Canadians feels connected and like they are doing something to support solidarity and focus during a time when many have felt just the opposite. “Wear Red to support our First Responders. Wear Red to support our
soldiers.
Wear Red to support Canada!’s,” - wrote Mr. Bezemer, to give credit where credit it due.
To take that a step further, I invite anyone who may be interested in giving some time on this to give me a call or email.
Nothing major, but I wonder if some sponsors could come together to cover costs of red T-Shirts. We will do up a logo and Niagara West residents can email or call with a size request and additional random sizes will also be purchased.
The “sale” of the T-shirts would be donation only with funds divided among a food bank in each of Grimsby, Lincoln and West Lincoln.
We would also plan some donations for prizes to be randomly awarded to people spotted on the street sporting the Niagara West Wear Red on Fridays Ts.
Now, when I say sponsors, this does not mean only businesses. Let me tell ya, when anything happens around here, businesses are the first to be asked for things. They always come through.
In this case, we all, or the vast majority, are Canadians. A program like this is something we can all get behind. I think the “free” Ts are important as there will some be some who don’t have the money to pay for one, so they could take one if they want one, no charge. If no, no problem. If interested, email mike@wn3.ca
MIKE WILLISCRAFT
Dear Editor,
Mr. Editor, you were right on last week with your assessment of Trump.
It’s like you saw the future and it unfolded last Friday just as you foretold with Trump and his halfbaked sidekick J.D. Vance double teaming Zelensky in the Oval Office - set up with international media for all to see.
Trump’s most telling comment in the whole thing - “This is going to be great television.”
Did you see the AI vid-
eo of Zelensky taking out Trump with one punch - as all the world would want to do? If no, Google it. It will make you feel better.
Your assessment of Trump being a terrorist right under all our noses was bang on. He is now making support for the good of the world a trans actional matter - holding Zelensky’s feet to the fire with 10s of thousands of lives at stake - wanting 50
per cent of the Ukraine’s mineral resources.
Good thing he was not around for WWII.
Ford was the right choice for Ontario going into this tariff war with the U.S. and it was not lost on me that the premier noted in his acceptance speech that his term will outlast that of Trump. Canada and the world can only hope that enough Americans can get their acts together and get off the Trump Party band wagon in four years time.