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Vol. 16, Issue 49
Welcome...
DR. ADRIENNE SYMONS
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
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2 — Southpoint Sun
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Kingsville gets $36,224 from province for fire protection
From left are Kingsville Fire’s Tina Young, Kingsville Mayor Dennis Rogers, Kingsville Assistant Deputy Chief Jeffrey Dean, MPP Anthony Leardi, Kingsville Fire Chief Scott Moore, Assistant Deputy Chief Jeremy McHardy, Kingsville Councillor Debby Jarvis Chausse, Kingsville Councillor Larry Patterson, Kingsville Councillor Thomas Neufeld, Education Officer Daniel Caille, Deputy Fire Chief Jeromy Garant, Kingsville CAO John Norton. Photo submitted
The Leamington Portuguese Community Club Presents
MURDER AT SEA Murder Mystery Show Saturday, January 24 Doors 5 pm •Buffet Dinner & Show 6 pm An Interactive Dinner Theatre Experience
Tickets $35 (Cash bar)
Who Dunnit? Was it YOU?
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OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! EVERYONE WELCOME!
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Wishing you health, happiness, peace, prosperity, good fortune and everything that brings you joy!
Open Tues-Sat. 11 am to midnight (kitchen open until 9 pm)
GREAT FOOD! DAILY SPECIALS!
JANUARY EVENTS
Jan 13 - Cornhole Jan 22 - Trivia Jan 30 - Common Ground
LEAMINGTON PORTUGUESE 217 Talbot St. West, COMMUNITY CLUB Leamington
Call us for your next Special Occasion 519-326-5561
Happy New Year! 2026 Leamington Constituency Office 115 Erie St. N., Unit B 519-326-3367
Chatham Constituency Office 111 Heritage Dr. Suite 100 519-351-0510
The Town of Kingsville is receiving $36,224.56 through Ontario’s Fire Protection Grant, supporting ongoing efforts to protect firefighters and modernize local fire services. Essex MPP Anthony Leardi was on-hand at the Kingsville South Fire Station to make the announcement on Tuesday, December 16. “Our firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to protect our families, our homes, and our communities,” said MPP Leardi. “These investments help ensure local fire services have the equipment they need to stay safe and respond effectively.” The funding will be used by Kingsville Fire and Rescue Services for the purchase of four AirMATION™ Industrial Air Cleaner units, complete with an activation system and optical sensors. These units are designed to remove contaminants from fire halls, helping reduce occupational exposure risks for firefighters. “Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect our community,” said Dennis Rogers, Mayor of Kingsville. “It’s our responsibility to provide them with the best conditions and support, and we’re grateful to the Government of Ontario for helping us prioritize the safety of our firehall and our firefighters.” “These units will significantly reduce firefighters’ exposure to harmful exhaust and support our ongoing efforts to protect their long-term health, including reducing cancer risk,” said Kingsville Fire Chief, Scott Moore. “This investment helps ensure that the people who respond to emergencies in our community can work in a safer, healthier environment.” Earlier this year, the Ministry of the Solicitor General doubled the Fire Protection Grant, increasing the program from $10 million in its first year to $20 million in year two. The expanded funding helps municipal fire services across Ontario invest in cancer prevention initiatives, equipment to address lithium-ion battery fires, and infrastructure upgrades and modernization.
Pet of the Week
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to adopt a caffeinated marshmallow with legs... allow us to introduce Sugar Cookie, a 6-monthold, large-breed, high-octane puppy who believes life is best lived at full zoom. This girl is pure enthusiasm wrapped in fur. She’s jumpy (think pogo stick), she’s a professional counter surfer (she’s pretty sure the kitchen is an obstacle course just for her), and she approaches every day like it’s a competitive sport. What puppy SUGAR COOKIE doesn’t? But oh, does she love food, treats, snacks, compliments, snacks, attention, snacks-did we mention snacks? This can help make teaching her manners so much easier. Kids? Her history with children is unknown, but because she sometimes transforms into a flying noodle, she’d do best with sturdy, confident kids who won’t topple when she springs into orbit. Sugar Cookie’s Dream Home: Someone patient, loving, and maybe a little adventurous. A family who laughs easily, has good sneakers, and doesn’t mind installing baby gates... everywhere. If you’re ready for a hilarious, affectionate, snack-motivated sidekick who’s equal parts chaos and charm, Sugar Cookie is ready to sweeten your life. Come meet her-your heart (and your countertops) will never be the same.
Windsor/Essex County Humane Society 519-966-5751 windsorhumane.org
129 Erie St. S.
519-325-1112 www.ruffinspet.com
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Southpoint Sun — 3
BRINGING CHRISTMAS CHEER
Local student Lauren Meadows has once again brought Christmas cheer to patients at Erie Shores HealthCare. Lauren, an 11-year-old student at Comber Centennial Public School, produced 40 handmade Christmas cards and delivered them to the hospital on Monday, December 22 where they will be shared with those who are unable to be at home for Christmas. The pajama donations were part of Megan and Lauren’s Christmas Pajama Extravaganza, in honour of Megan Pat- Come and browse rick (two-time Leukemia survivor) who was diagnosed on Christmas Eve 2018. our 18,000 sq ft Megan and Lauren have been collecting pajamas from the community and have Showroom! been donating to kids in the hospital at Windsor Regional, Children’s Hospital in London and Ronald McDonald Houses in Windsor, London and Hamilton to wear on Christmas Eve. In April, Megan, 9 and Lauren, 11 received the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for dedicated humanitarian services from the Lions Club International. In the photo, Lauren is pictured in front, flanked by, from left, ESHC employees Maud Van Gellecum, Nancy Policella, Amandeep Kaur, Chantal Zeiter, legacyauctions.net Neelu Sehgal and Catherine Taylor. Monday-Saturday 10-5 COIN SHOP • ONLINE AUCTIONS • LIVE AUCTIONS SUN photo by Mark Ribble
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4 — Southpoint Sun
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
CHILDREN’S CLASSES GOING STRONG AT LEAMINGTON ARTS CENTRE
The Leamington Arts Centre has wrapped up its children’s art classes for the holidays but will resume with Children’s Acrylic Painting Classes and their Make and Create Tuesdays after the new year. Andrea Niven of Bear Foot Studios oversees both classes, which produce some amazing results, as witnessed in the photos above. Photos submitted
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Wednesday, December 31, 2025
LDSS sports break for holidays on a positive note
By Leah Sharon As the winter break approached at Leamington District Secondary School, the entire school was eagerly awaiting their two weeks of rest. However, athletes at the school did not take a break before the official start of the holiday, as their final week was packed with games and competitions. The games were a lively and memorable way for the teams to wrap up the 2025 sports season. The week started off with the Lions B-League Curling Team winning the championship trophy for all of Windsor-Essex County. The team consisting of Jack Watts, Henry Heaton, Carter Thorton and Drake Wigle defeated the top competition, winning 6-2. Congratulations to the curling team. On Tuesday, December 16, both the junior and senior girls volleyball
teams played Massey in their home gymnasium. The junior girls fought three hard sets and secured many points through strong serves, pushing the second and third set into extra points. Lions ultimately lost the game 3-0, but their determination kept each team fighting for every point. The senior girls went into the game with their heads held high, looking for another win to keep their season undefeated. After two close sets, the girls were tied 1-1 with the Mustangs. The girls fought hard but came up just short of a win in the third set. The junior boys basketball team played Walkerville and suffered an 11-57 loss to the higher ranked team. The LDSS swim team competed in another invitational swim meet on December 17, with results pending.
Looking to rebound from the loss earlier in the week, the senior girls volleyball team fell just short of a victory last Thursday, December 18. After a slow start, the girls bounced back in the second set, but Kennedy pulled ahead late in the third to win the match. The junior girls’ volleyball team earned a 2–1 win over Kennedy, led by strong passing from Malack Bitar and key hits from Kim Peters. The Lions look to keep the momentum going into the 2026 season. The junior boys basketball fought hard against Essex but came up short of a win. A huge shoutout to all the Lions fans for their great support and encouragement, keeping the boys in the game. On Wednesday, December 17, LDSS proudly hosted the Special Olympics Ontario Basketball Qualifier, welcoming
over 70 athletes from five schools to play some 3-on-3 basketball. LDSS was represented by four
incredible teams, and the athletes truly shined throughout the competition. A huge shout-out to
Southpoint Sun — 5
the 40+ volunteers whose hard work helped the event run smoothly.
LDSS B-League curling team, from left to right: Drake Wigle, Carter Thorton, Jack Watts and Henry Heaton. Photo submitted
Golden Years mini-golfers wrap up 2025 with a breakfast
There were 71 Golden Years golfers who enjoyed the annual Christmas Breakfast, after which they played their last game of mini golf for 2025. Colasanti’s served up such a great breakfast that the golfers scored an outstanding 123 holes in one. Leading the way with five aces were a couple of Hoppers – Keith and Patty – followed by Tom Hyatt, David Tonks and Allan Munson with four aces. Scoring three
SHARKS STANDINGS Provincial Junior Hockey League West Stobbs Standings
Team Essex Blenheim Lakeshore Mooretown Dresden Amherstburg Wheatley Walpole Island
GP W 30 25 30 22 29 21 29 15 30 11 29 11 30 11 29 2
L OTL T SOW SOL PTS 4 1 0 0 0 51 6 2 0 0 0 46 6 2 0 0 0 44 13 1 0 0 0 31 15 4 0 0 0 26 15 3 0 0 0 25 18 1 0 0 0 23 26 1 0 0 0 5
aces were Jamie Arquette, Mike Binder, Jan Coulter, Jackie Cooper, Shran Collins, Ron Fick, Carolyn Dufour, Barb Haas, Mary Metz, Walter Balsam and Randy Nash. Two aces: Al Wass, Nick Penzari, Donna Bileti, Steve Bonyai, Nancy Springthorpe, Mary-Jo Laforet, Gail Turk, Andre Lalonde, Erle Nash, Greg Broome, Marlene Schmitt, Lloyd Symons, Bob Springthorpe, Julia Kos, Bob Tanner, Armand Decaluwe, Jack Bostin, Giselle Lapointe, Betty McManus, Geoff Reid, Joel Bostin, Theresa Decaluwe and Andy Orsini. One ace: Bill Ward, Debbie Clinton, MaryAnn Sherman, Rosemary Heisler, Penny McMurphy, Kathy Klym, AnneMarie Wszol, Linda Chiasson, Colleen Pearce, Margaret Rice, Kaz Wszol, Monique Benfield, Barb Fick, Bryon Walker, Ray Foster, Shirley Urbanski, Buelah Whines, Constance Budd, Mary Binder, Larry Hillman and Kathy Bechard. Top score over 18 holes went to Keith Hopper with 33, followed by Jamie Arquette and David Tonks with 35; Keith Hopper, Jamie Arquette, Tom Hyatt, Randy Nash and Julia Kos (2) 36; Tom Hyatt, Randy Nash, Bill Gough, Kaz Wszol, Allan Munson and Patty Hopper
37; Debbie Clinton, Ray Foster and Theresa Decaluwe 38; and Bill Gough, David Tonks, Bill Ward, Bob Tanner and Barb Haas (2) 39. Leading the way over 36 holes with 69 was Keith Hopper, followed by Jamie Arquette with 71, Julia Kos 72, Tom Hyatt and Randy Nash 73, David Tonks 74, Bill Gough 76, Kaz Wszol 77, Debbie Clinton, Barb Haas and Theresa Decaluwe 78, and Lloyd Symons and Allan Munson 79. First place went to Team 1A (Jamie Arquette, Mike Binder, Bill Ward) with 313. In second place was Team 7 (Keith Hopper, Jackie Cooper, Shran Collins, Greg Broome) with 324. In third place was Team 17 (Randy Nash, Theresa Decaluwe, Mary Binder, Larry Hillman) with 325. The most honest golfers were Team 5 (Gail Turk, Andre Lalonde, AnneMarie Wszol, Richard Metz). Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and looking forward to seeing everyone back out for some fun and golf on Thursday, January 8 at 10:30 a.m.
Happy New Year to All!
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6 — Southpoint Sun
The little newspaper that could...
As we move forward into 2026, I’d like to express our thanks to those organizations and businesses who have entrusted this newspaper with their advertising dollars this year. Many people don’t realize that as a free-to-thereaders publication, we rely solely on advertising revenue to keep our community newspaper going. It wasn’t that long ago
that newspapers were given their last rites and many succumbed to the big bad internet news threat. Meanwhile, independently owned small community papers like this one saw an opportunity to keep the presses rolling for years to come. And those years have come and are still coming. When I walked into the press room at the Leam-
ington Post over 40 years ago, a life-long career in the newspaper business wasn’t on my bingo card. I was looking for a steady paycheque with our first child due any time and had left a real estate market that had its challenges for a 24-yearold sales guy who had run out of friends and family to sell and list houses for. About 15 years ago, a young co-worker told me
1949 Dodge on “The Rock” If you visit Newfoundland next summer, you might see Wayne Churchill driving around in his bright red and very rare 1949 Dodge roadster. He bought the car in Kitchener a few years ago and rented a U-Haul trailer for its trip to “the Rock.” The car had not been driven for several years so Wayne drained the tank, added fresh gas and a new battery, poured some gas into the
carburetor, and the engine fired right up. A local garage certified it, and with its new Bill Sherk Newfoundland license plates put it column (“three on the on the road again! tree” we were fond of The manually operated saying). top only covers the front Wayne might have the seat. The trunk is very only 1949 Dodge Waylarge, a handy feature if farer convertible in NewWayne catches a whole foundland, and maybe in school of fish. The engine all of Canada. We wish is a six cylinder with its for Wayne many more three-speed transmission happy years of top-down mounted on the steering motoring!
THE OLD CAR DETECTIVE
Wayne Churchill behind the wheel of his 1949 Dodge roadster
Advertising guidelines
The Southpoint Sun 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. Jim Heyens OWNER
Mark Ribble EDITOR
Allison Siddall
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PRINTERS AND PUBLISHERS - Publications Mail Registration No. 09204. Published every Wednesday
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that newspapers were going to be read entirely online in the future. In fact, he said, you’ll be able to read an entire paper on your cell phone. I laughed. Such nonsense from the mouths of babes! Within about five years of being told that ridiculous sounding revelation, we were indeed seeing that idea come to fruition. The big newspaper companies scrambled to get out of the hard copy paper business and started asking salespeople to sell “online” ads. They began shuttering smaller papers all over the place like the Grinch picking off presents from the Whos. Many smalltown papers remaining,
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
and other musings
that were owned by large corporations, bit the proverbial dust. Mark Ribble But quietly — and not They know that peosurprising to those in the ple reading the paper biz — the small inde- are seeing their ads and pendent papers began to that’s a win-win for evtake hold, some popping eryone. up as by-products run by So here at the end of former employees of the 2025, on the precipice of shuttered papers. 2026, we say thank you Covid provided a chal- to our advertisers, our lenge for everyone and readers, our dedicatwe lost a few papers ed delivery people and along the way. those who contribute to Here we are some six our “little newspaper years later and we’re that could”. glad to still have your atHappy New Year evtention. eryone. May the next 365 Our weekly readership days be safe, healthy and continues to hold strong prosperous for each and and that bodes well for every one of you. our advertisers.
RIB’S RAMBLINGS
Don’t sleep in the subway, darling
As the year comes to an end, I must say I truly enjoyed writing about so many different singers, song writers, successful groups and more, from the years gone by. It has brought back many fond memories that take me back to the late 1950s, the ’60s, the ’70s, ’80s and even the ’90s. I hope you enjoyed the musical ride. As a young teenager, most of the music I listened to was on 1050 Chum Radio in Toronto. I’m sure that most teenagers listened to CHYR or CKLW around here. One act who was already an international star was Petula Clark. Already known in Canada, she was virtually unknown in the U.S. when “Downtown” soared to the top of the Hot 100, making her the first British female of the rock era to have a number one single in The United States. Petula Sally Olwen Clark was born in Epson, Surrey, on November 15, 1932. She first appeared on the radio at the age of nine and had her own show, “Pete’s Parlour”, at age 11. Her parents were both nurses. Her father harboured secret ambitions to be an actor and her Welsh mother, who
died at the age of 38, was a natural singer. At the age of three, Petula with was singing in Chuck Reynolds church with her Following “Downmother in Wales and had her first record town” in March of 1965 release for Coral in 1953. was “I Know a Place”, She appeared in over 20 which stalled at #3 but British movies from 1944 won Petula a Grammy for Rock & Roll Female Vocal to 1957. When she moved to in 1965. Petula had another Paris after marrying Claud Wolff, the public- #1 hit in 1966 with “My ity director of the French Love”. Other top 10 hits in Vouge Label in 1961, she 1966 included “I Couldn’t had a succession of hits Live Without Your Love”. In 1967, Petula hit the sung in French that included “Ya Ya Twist” and top five with “This Is “Chariot” that was later My Song”, “Don’t Sleep translated into English in The Subway” and and became a number “Kiss Me Goodbye” that reached #15. one hit for Peggy March. Petula revived her Petula has had several top 10 hits on the charts movie career in the late including “Downtown”, 1960s starring in “Finian’s which was #1 for two Rainbow” and “Goodbye weeks. However, she was Mr. Chips”. Petula’s last American virtually unknown in America when “Down- top 40 hit was “Don’t town” entered the Hot Give Up” in July of 1968. 100 on December 19, 1964 She left Warner Brothers and soared to the top of for MGM, where she rethe Hot 100 in just five corded a new version of weeks’ time. This made Mary Well’s “My Guy” in Petula the first British fe- 1972. I hope you enjoyed this male to have a number one single in the United story about Petula Clark. States since Vera Lynn I can’t wait to share many topped the American more stories in the comchart in 1952 with “Auf ing year. Have a wonderWiederseh’n Sweetheart”. ful New Year!!
FLASHBACK RADIO
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Southpoint Sun — 7
2025 Year In Review
JANUARY 2025
FEBRUARY 2025
Local resident talks about life in a Japanese-Canadian internment camp
Coldest Night of the Year raises over $200k
Life has been a journey for Fred Takaki, who just turned 90 on December 21. His story is one that he likes to tell — especially to young people who he feels will benefit from knowing how Canadians with Japanese heritage were treated after the onset of the Second World War.
His father was born in Japan and moved to British Columbia when he was 19, later marrying Fred’s mother, who was a Canadian-born citizen of Japanese descent. Fred himself was born in Maple Ridge, B.C., in 1934 on a farm owned by his parents.
Have you ever wondered which Canadian town is known for being exactly halfway between the equator and the North Pole? Well, that town is Stewiake, Nova Scotia, and it provides the setting for the upcoming play at The Bank Theatre, Halfway There — opening Friday, January 17. Best friends Vi, Mary Ellen, Rita and Janine meet daily at Janine’s place of
work, where she waitresses at a local diner. The play, written by Canadian playwright Norm Foster, provides plenty of laughs as the foursome get themselves into some hilarious conversation. Add in a handsome new arrival in town — Dr. Sean Merritt — and you’ve got all the ingredients for some great entertainment.
Bundled up walkers made their way through the streets of Leamington in the early evening of February 22 raising over $200,000 for the Leamington Community Hope Centre. With over 200 locations across the country taking part in the Coldest Night of the Year charity walk, the Leamington event had 228 participants comprising 32 teams completing either a 2 km or 5 228 strong made their way down Erie Street to be- km route.
Halfway There wows Bank Theatre audiences
Erie Shores HealthCare welcomes new MRI Suite
Smiles were in abundance at Erie Shores HealthCare on January 16 as politicians, hospital staff and members of the community marked the opening of a new MRI suite with a ribbon-cutting and a social hour that followed. A special guest to mark the momentous occasion was Ontario’s Deputy Premier/Health Minister Sylvia Jones,
the first sitting health minister to pay a visit to the hospital in over 30 years. Jones was on hand to announce that the province will be providing annual operating funding of $1.34 million, which will allow the MRI suite to operate 16 hours per day and provide up to 3,000 annual tests starting this spring.
Hogs raffle winner picks up his cheque Although he’d never been to the Hospice Erie Shores Campus, Hogs for Hospice 50-50 draw winner Shawn Denkers was actually sitting in the Windsor-Essex Hospice building on Friday, January 10 when his phone rang, telling him his ticket had been drawn. “I really didn’t know who it was when I answered,” says Shawn. “I thought it was some sort of scam.”
Shawn’s sisters told him it was a scam because, “what are the odds that you’re sitting in one hospice building when someone calls you about the draw that just netted you $140,980 from supporting the other hospice building.” It was no scam and on the line was Hogs committee member Tim Iles, backed by several other members of the committee.
U15 Blazers win International Silver Stick Port Huron, Michigan, was the site of the U15 International Silver Stick Championships on Janu-
ary 24-25-26 and the U15 Talbot Trail Blazers came away with the title. Both the U.S. and Can-
ada were represented as eight teams from each country qualified for minor hockey’s long-coveted championship.
gin the Coldest Night of the Year charity walk.
Defibrillator campaign in Windsor-Essex
A local call for awareness of Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) units is catching on with the public and Essex-Windsor EMS would like to see it further developed in the region. According to Essex-Windsor EMS Paramedic Dave Thibodeau, they’ve
mapped out about 1,100 AEDs throughout the region, but he believes there are about 2,000 such units across the city and county — in various clubs, businesses and recreational buildings. The units are considered lifesavers when it comes to cardiac arrest.
A promise made is a promise kept
A 1986 359-Peterbuilt truck — sold long ago to a Leamington trucker — was recently used to honour its original owner and carry her ashes back home to Tweed, Ontario. Leamington’s Brooks Cook purchased the truck around 2009 from another Leamington-based trucker, Bob Sherman. Sherman was the third owner of the rig. It had originally been owned by a
Remembering Rick Epplett
The local news scene is mourning the loss of former Wheatley Journal publisher Rick Epplett, on Friday, February 7. Rick took over the family business from his father, Ken, and was the go-to source for news in the village as the editor and publisher of Wheatley’s weekly paper for decades. A special connection to the Southpoint Sun was created when Wheatley native Jim Heyens purchased the Wheatley Journal from Rick in 2009. Jim went on
female trucker who went by Kittyhawk (CB handle) and had the entire thing painted pink. When Cook became the fourth owner, he had plans to restore the truck to its former glory. He and his son Ryan, who was apprenticing to be a mechanic, worked on it when they could, before friend Ron Platsko eventually put them in touch with a restoration company in Kitchener. to found the Southpoint Sun in 2010 and eventually, both papers were merged into one in 2018. Rick wrote a final “Eppy-log” on the front page of the Journal on April 8, 2009, officially handing over the reins after 113 years in the Epplett family. Rick was a master conversationalist, who enjoyed stopping in at the local coffee shops and restaurants to get the scoop on the local goings-on.
Pre-plan starting as low as $35/month. The 2024-25 International Silver Stick Champions, standing, from left, are coach Zachary Dillen, Brayden Foster, Austin Goudie, coach Tyler Dillen, Larry Jeffrey, Nicolas Magri, Charlie Ketler, Connor Rumble, Nathan Mariuz, Kelton McCabe, Lucas O’Neil, Isaiah Georges, Owen Derksen, Max Pyne, head coach Tony Youssef, coach Dylan Impens. Kneeling are AJ Youssef, Nash Fuerth, Kevin Ondic, Braylon Aflak.
New bed at Erie Shores HealthCare
The Hospice Erie Shores Campus has added a new hospice bed courtesy of the Ontario government. That addition brings the number of hospice beds at the Leamington-based campus to 12. The addition is part of
a province-wide expansion of 84 new beds — a $19.75 million capital investment by the province. Dignitaries were on hand on Friday, January 24 as the bed was unveiled.
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8 — Southpoint Sun
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
2025 Year In Review
MARCH 2025
APRIL 2025
YEAR’S FIRST ICE CREAM
PITCHING IN AS A FAMILY
You can’t beat the year’s first ice cream cone to know that spring is just around the corner. Popping into Burgess Refreshments on its third day of the new season were, from left, Amber Adomaityte, Victoria Lafrance, Kinsley Quiring, Noah Quiring and Mason Quiring. Paul Forman photo
The Great Cleanup Challenge is a month-long event that encourages citizens around the county to get out and clean up their neck of the woods. In a joint partnership between Essex Region Conservation Authority and the Essex County Library, participants can pick up bags, gloves and tracking sheets at any of the local libraries to assist while lending a helping hand. Ashley Tonita and her daughter Kayla took part in the challenge as they cleaned up the grounds at Lakeside Park in Kingsville on a crisp April 6 afternoon. SUN photo by Paul Forman
Area Special Service Force members honoured in Wheatley
The efforts of three Wheatley men in commemorating the Devil’s Brigade will pay dividends with the eventual dedication of plaques placed on boulders near the future site of the Wheatley Legion. The First Special Services Force (FSSF) — commonly known as the Devil’s Brigade — was a joint Canadian-American military unit of 1,800 highly-trained soldiers. They were a group feared by enemies
Robson Road reconstruction
The Municipality of Leamington will be undertaking a road reconstruction and traffic calming project on Robson Road, from Erie Street South to Cherry Lane. Work was scheduled to begin on Monday, March 10 and is expected to take ap-
and were dubbed “the Black Devils” by the Germans. Four men from Wheatley and two from Kingsville were part of the famous brigade during the Second World War. Roger Lamb of Wheatley, whose father Bill was a member of the FSSF, has teamed up with local military historian Bill Siddall and Wheatley Legion 2nd Vice President Tom Brown to bring the boulders to Wheatley and have the plaques installed. proximately two months to complete. Road Closure: Robson Road, between Erie Street South and Cherry Lane, will be limited to local traffic only during construction.
Soup was the order of the day on SatAn annual tradition for over 20 years, the Colasanti-Optimist Chess Tournament featured 250 aspiring grandmasters on Saturday, April 5. Participants were made up of grade
one to eight students from around the county and were assisted by enthusiastic members of the Kingsville Optimist Club along with 50 volunteers made up of high school students and parents.
Celebrating Jack Miner’s birthday As part of National Wildlife Week, cupcakes were enjoyed by a campfire abutting the Jack Miner Learning Centre on April 10 as an observance of the birthday of one of Canada’s greatest conserva-
tionists, Jack Miner. The late Miner was born in 1865 and is credited with creating one of the first bird sanctuaries in North America in 1904.
Council denies Flyers’ request for reduced ice fees
CK launches emergency notification service To increase timely, accurate and reliable communications to residents during times of emergency, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent has launched CKAlert, Chatham-Kent’s new Emergency Notification Service. CKAlert is designed to provide immediate notification to Chatham-Kent residents in the event of emergencies such as flooding, boil water advisories, emergency bridge closures and more. Unlike the Federal Alert Ready system, Chatham-Kent residents will not receive
Kings and queens take over Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens
notifications unless they sign up for the service. Residents can sign up to receive emergency notifications at www.CKAlert.ca. CKAlert can be customized to ensure notifications are received in a way that works best for residents of all ages. Residents can receive alerts through text messages or email, and those without access to a cell phone or email address can receive pre-recorded messages to a landline phone.
Leamington Council has rejected a request from the Leamington Flyers for a 50 per cent reduction in their ice time rates. That decision was made at their council meeting on Tuesday, April 8 in response to a report brought forth by administration regarding the request and issues with payment of this season’s ice time invoice. The municipality’s Director of Finance and Business Services Laura Rauch pre-
sented a report outlining how and when fees are approved and the process involved in adjusting them. Rauch explained that user fees are approved by council and there is no mechanism to reduce fees without council’s authorization. The fees that the Leamington Flyers are currently charged are based on the 2024 fee schedule, which was approved by council in September 2023.
Two new palliative care rooms at ESHC
ESHC implements visitor restrictions due to measles cases
On April 8, Erie Shores Health Foundation celebrated the opening of two newly renovated palliative care rooms on the second floor of Erie Shores HealthCare alongside Transition to Betterness. The project was made possible by generous
CKHA opens dedicated measles information centre
Health Unit gives update on measles cases in the region
To increase timely, accurate and reliabIn response to an increase in confirmed and suspected measles cases in the community, Erie Shores HealthCare has temporarily implemented hospital-wide visitor re-
strictions for children under 16, effective Friday, March 14 until further notice. Anyone arriving at Erie Shores HealthCare will undergo measles screening at all hospital entrances.
Due to the recent increase in measles cases in the community, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) has opened a Measles Information Centre at its Cha-
tham site to offer guidance to those who have been exposed to the measles virus and are not fully vaccinated.
Work is underway with detailed design for the road realignment of Talbot Trail, east of Wheatley. This includes the development of the technical design and drawings, and ad-
ditional efforts on the site investigations and environmental permitting side which need to be completed in tandem. Some of these activities will be continuing through the spring.
Design work underway for Talbot Trail realignment
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At a media event in Leamington on Thursday, April 17, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit’s (WECHU) Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Mehdi Aloosh, shared information on the increasing cases of measles within the region and steps that residents can take to keep safe. Since the first case was reported in February of this year, the WECHU has con-
donations from The Macera Family and LiUNA! 625 in partnership with Transition to Betterness. With their valued support, Erie Shores HealthCare will be able to provide palliative care to patients in a fresh and comforting environment.
firmed 69 cases of measles and monitored each of them to determine contacts and mass public exposures. To date, cases have been highly concentrated in the Leamington and Kingsville areas, however Dr. Aloosh shared that spread amongst unvaccinated populations in other municipalities is a growing concern.
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Wednesday, December 31, 2025
2025 Year In Review
MAY 2025
Southpoint Sun — 9
JUNE 2025
These youngsters didn’t let the rain stop them from getting their run in on Sunday, May 4 as they were among 700 participants in the annual Run and Roll for Erie Shores Health Foundation. The Roadrunner Race 400-metre kids’ dash is always exciting to watch for anyone nearby on the streets surrounding the Leamington Medical Village and Erie Shores Hospice. Deanna Bertrand photo
Wayward wedding dress finds its way back home They say every story has a happy ending and the story that began at the Sun Parlour Curling Club’s annual fundraising yard sale on May 24 certainly falls under that category. The curling club hosts their giant yard sale every year in May, which brings hundreds of yard sale enthusiasts out to browse and buy gently used items in support of the club. Club member Daphne Derbyshire decided to donate her wedding dress to the sale along with several other items as she
looked to declutter and support a great cause. At some point Saturday evening, Daphne realized she had donated her daughter’s wedding dress instead of her own. Her daughter Renee Lounsbury, now living in Windsor, received a frantic phone call from her mom Saturday night. Once she got her mom to settle down, Renee suggested that they ask the curling club to put something on social media asking if the purchaser could be located.
Wheatley community resiliency applauded
Annual Run and Roll attracts 700 participants
Despite the rain, more than 700 registered participants filled the Leamington Medical Village parking lot Sunday, May 4 for the annual Erie Shores Health Foun-
dation Run And Roll 2025. A total of 42 teams raised funds to support the Hospice Erie Shores, and Erie Shores Health Foundation.
Erie Migration School presents first musical
Erie Migration District Secondary School staff and students held their first stage production at the school on the May 2-3 weekend, with students presenting
Alice @ Wonderland The Musical. Jennifer Fatallah directed the production of the play based on the works of Lewis Carroll and produced by Paul Gelinas.
Festival of Birds brings visitors from near and far
With the spring birding season well underway, visitors from near and far have descended upon the Sun Parlour of Canada to seek out those elusive feathered species they’ve yet to check off their lists. The Point Pelee Festival of Birds runs
until May 19 and other county hotspots are experiencing higher than normal volumes of visitors. Local businesses have also been the beneficiary of the surge of out-of-towners, with restaurants and hotels experiencing an uptick in customers.
Major restoration completed at John R. Park Homestead A celebratory ribbon-cutting was held at John R. Park Homestead on May 22 to recognize the reopening of the home of John and Amelia Park, perhaps the most significant of the 11 historical structures housed along Lake Erie’s shoreline. Managed by the Essex Region Conservation Authority, the homestead received funding from the Canadian Experience
Fund, the Toldo Foundation, and the Stephanie & Barry Zekelman Foundation, along with many other generous donors that provided a total of more than $1-million for the extensive repairs necessary to ensure that the structure is stable and retains all of its historic elements that date back to its 1842 origin.
The Bridge breaks ground on 38 more homes, thanks to Trillium Grant
On Thursday, May 22, Chatham-Kent Leamington MPP and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agri-business Trevor Jones met with the team at The Bridge Youth Resource Centre to celebrate the $200,000 Resilient Communities Fund grant they received from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that was used to assist the organization in its recovery efforts post-pandemic.
The Bank Theatre and Leamington shine bright in Drama Festival
Leamington showcased its visitor appeal and The Bank Theatre showcased its talent, commitment and volunteerism during the five-day Western Ontario Drama League Festival held here last week. The WODL Festival got underway on Wednesday, May 14 with an opening reception, prior to the three community theatre teams involved getting to work to present their plays.
Wheatley Learning Trail honours Dr. Lloyd McKibbin The Wheatley Horticultural Society found the perfect way to honour the late Dr. Lloyd McKibbin for his life’s work in the village and around the world. On Saturday, May 24, they invited the public — and the McKibbin family — to the unveiling of Doc McKibbin Way along the Wheatley Arboretum and Learning Trail.
Unsightly fencing and annoying street closures in the downtown core have been the norm in Wheatley as the result of the August 2021 gas explosion. They were all back up again on Saturday, June 7, but this time it was for the celebration “Wheatley Waves Forward”. With centre stage and ceremonies taking place led by The unveiling of the development plans for downtown Wheatley. Chatham-Kent Councillor Lauren Anderson, only metres from the capped well head, dignitaries from all levels of federal, provincial, municipal, Indigenous, infrastructure professionals and Wheatley Task Force volunteers spoke passionately about the past four years. The unifying message from each speaker highlighted the resilient, community-based positive attitude for a bright future in seeking a way forward.
Kids delighted with bicycle giveaway in Kingsville
Coming off of a successful distribution of bicycles to local farm workers, The Bike Kitchen and the Kingsville Community Centre (KCC) once again teamed up, this time offering free bikes to deserving local children. Taking place in the parking lot at the Grovedale Arts & Culture Centre,
a two-hour Saturday morning event saw children be given an opportunity to kick the tires on their bike of choice, with a total of 35 bicycles being given away by volunteers from the KCC and The Bike Kitchen.
Lakers Classic attracts 16 teams
Despite cool temperatures and a few raindrops, the first Lakers Classic tournament of the young baseball season took place in Leamington over the May 31-June 1 weekend. Eight 9U teams and eight more 13U teams competed for the
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titles in their respective divisions. The Leamington Lakers were represented by both the 9U squad and the 13U squad, while the Kingsville Knights 9U team also competed.
10 — Southpoint Sun
2025 Year In Review
JULY 2025
ESHF, Hogs agree to become separate entities
The Erie Shores Health Foundation (ESHF) has announced that the organization and the Hogs for Hospice organization have decided to move forward as separate, independent entities. A news release sent out by ESHF thanked the Hogs committee for their tireless work over the years. “As the 2025 Hogs for Hospice
motorcycle rally approaches, Erie Shores Health Foundation (ESHF) would like to acknowledge and thank the founding organizers and long-time supporters of Hogs for Hospice for their extraordinary contributions to local hospice care over the past 15 years,” said the release.
Local McDonald’s manager recognized with award
Virginia Ullrich, manager of the Leamington McDonald’s restaurant, has been recognized as one of the top performing Restaurant Managers in the country and has received a 2025 Outstanding Manager of the Year award from McDonald’s Canada. This prestigious award is giv-
en to the top five per cent of restaurant managers across the 1,450+ McDonald’s restaurants in Canada. It’s awarded to managers who have displayed exceptional leadership and achievements in their local community.
Local teens race to help stranded jet-skier on Lake Erie
A Brampton man is counting his lucky stars and thanking a pair of local teens after a harrowing ordeal on Lake Erie near Leamington on Tuesday, July 8. The man, who did not want to be identified, is down here working in the area. He rented a personal watercraft (Jet Ski) from a local company on Tuesday and made a trek out onto the lake, even- Local teens race to help stranded jet-skier on Lake Erie. From left tually finding himself on are Lyla Kivell, OPP Constable Boismier, OPP Constable Rangojan, the east side of Point Pelee Cal Kivell, the rescued man and OPP Constable Rossignol. where the water conditions suddenly changed. Things were going fine until he lost control a couple hundred feet out from shore in some choppy waters. Meanwhile, 14-year-old Lyla Kivell was practicing her guitar in her bedroom at her family’s home on East Beach Road in Leamington when she saw the watercraft flip and noticed that the man seemed to be in some distress. She ran to get her brother Cal, 15, who has lifeguard training. The soon-to-be Grade 11 student at Cardinal Carter Catholic Secondary School immediately jumped into action as Lyla called their parents — Lindsay and Graham — who in turn called 9-1-1.
Chimney swifts slow demolition of old high school A report on building a chimney swift habitat ruffled a few feathers at Leamington Council on Tuesday, July 8, but council reluctantly received the report on the $640,000 endeavour. Rob Sharon, Director of Infrastructure Services for the municipality, came forward with a report
regarding the demolition of the former high school property on Talbot Street West, citing an issue with the existing chimney of the building being a known habitat for the chimney swift — a bird that is a species at risk on both the provincial and federal lists.
Kids fishing derby sees tight lines at Wheatley Harbour
For the 21st time, the Southwest Outdoors Club welcomed over 250 youngsters and their parents to share in some family fun at their Annual Kidz Fishing Derby on Saturday, July 5 at Wheatley
Harbour. Seen as a way to give back to the community, the club provided an active-living prize for every child, a free hot dog lunch, a bike draw and awards for the biggest fish that were landed.
Community Calendar SUNDAY, JANUARY 4 UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF OLINDA SERVICE at 10:30 am with Rev. Paul Langston-Daley. Topic: Resistance & Resilience. All are welcome. 2953 Olinda Side Road, Ruthven, 548-324-4352.
at Faith Mennonite for a day service providing social, recreational and personal support to clients and respite. For more information or to register, call SECC at 519-326-8629 or visit our website at secc. on.ca.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 18 CK TOY SHOW & SALE - 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Farm toys, trains, sports cards, trucks model ships, books, planes, cars, action figures, dolls, collectibles, coins and more. Displays & hands-on activities. Adults $5, students $2, age 6 & under free. John D. Bradley Convention Centre, 565 Richmond St., Chatham. Proceeds to Chatham-Kent 4-H Farm Toy Club and Chatham Outreach for Hunger.
THE VILLAGE RESOURCE CENTRE WEEKLY EVENTS - 108 Talbot Road East, Wheatley. "Light The Way" Nar-Anon Family Group Mondays at 7:30 p.m. Chair Yoga Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. $10. "Wheatley Warriors" Narcotics Anonymous Group Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. For more information call 226-484-1004 or visit www. villageresourcecentre.ca. Wheelchair accessible.
ONGOING IF YOU WANT TO DRINK, THAT’S YOUR BUSINESS If you want to stop, we can help. Call Alcoholics Anonymous: 519-999-1234. SOUTH ESSEX COMMUNITY COUNCIL - ADULT DAY PROGRAM - Join us
INDIVIDUALS WHO REQUIRE ASSESSMENTS TO ENTER TREATMENT PROGRAMS FOR ADDICTIONS can contact Ian MacNeil, Social Worker with Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare, located at 33 Princess St. (1st floor) in Leamington, on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. You can leave a message 24/7 at 519-984-2531. Contact Ian at this number for more information.
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
AUGUST 2025
AEDs now being loaned out to the public
Essex-Windsor EMS has launched a new initiative to get life-saving AEDs into the hands of organizers of events and gatherings across Windsor and Essex County. Holding a big family reunion? A wedding? A fundraiser golf tournament?
Any weekend sports tournament? Or any outsized gathering of people? Then you should strongly consider signing out – for free – an Automatic External Defibrillator from Essex-Windsor EMS.
Caldwell Pow Wow celebrates unity, strength, resilience
The two-day Competition Pow Wow held by Caldwell First Nation August 9 and 10 included many dancers, singers, drummers and various food and craft vendors on the Caldwell First Nation Reserve located on Mersea Road 1. “As Anishinaabe people, it is our custom and sacred responsibility to welcome guests into our territory with warmth, respect and kindness,” Caldwell First Nation Chief Nikki Van Oirschot said to the large crowd gathered Saturday afternoon under the main tent to watch the Grand Entry. “Our Pow Wow is a time to gather, to celebrate and to share the beauty and strength of who we are with all nations, First Nations, and nonFirst Nations alike. Whether you have travelled from near or far, we welcome you in friendship and unity.”
The colourful regalia worn by the Indigenous dancers was on full display during the Grand Entry. Deanna Bertrand photo
Province investing $135 million in water systems, irrigation infrastructure
The Ontario government is investing $135 million in water systems and irrigation infrastructure in the Municipality of Leamington and the Niagara Region. Leamington will receive $41 million to help protect thousands of acres of greenhouse operations with improved wastewater treatment services, supporting
domestic food production. Niagara Region will receive approximately $94 million, which includes approximately $53 million for six water systems and another $41 million for irrigation pipelines to help deliver water to hundreds of farms and agricultural businesses.
Hogs for Hospice rocks Leamington for charity Perfect weather and community spirit combined to produce a stellar 2025 Hogs for Hospice Motorcycle Rally this past weekend. From the moment the gates opened on Friday afternoon, volunteers, sponsors and vendors set their sights on helping Erie Shores Hospice and providing a welcoming venue for attendees. Country night featured co-headliners Carly Pearce and Mitchell Tenpenny on Saturday, once again followed by fireworks.
Country music star Carly Pearce rocks it out with her guitar player on Saturday night on the Sunset Amphitheatre stage.
STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH? Reach out to Hope 4 Me Peer to Peer Support Group. Virtual and in-person meetings available. Contact Tracy, Sue or Nancy at hope4mepeer@gmail.com for information about the group. ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT SOMEONE’S DRINKING? Al-Anon Family Groups meeting information: 519-790-7739 or www. alanonwindsoressex.com COMMUNITY MEALS AVAILABLE AT: (Take-out only) every Monday, 4:00 - 5:00 pm at Leamington United Church, 9 John St., 519-3269461. Every Wednesday, 4:00 - 5:00 pm at St. John's Anglican Church, 60 Erie St. N. Leamington 519-326-3111. COMMUNITY CLOTHING CUPBOARD OPEN WEDNESDAYS appointments preferred, walk-ins are welcome 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. Call 519-326-3111 to book your appointment. All are welcome! Free! St. John's Anglican Church, 60 Erie St. N., Leamington. Donated gently used clothing for men, women and children of all ages. WHERE TO ACCESS FOOD AND CLOTHING - Free. All are welcome. St. Vincent de Paul - St. Michaels Parish 29 Elliot St. Leamington 226340-7233. Food Cupboard St. John's Anglican Church Wednesdays
11 am - 4 pm. Salvation Army 88 Setterington St. Mon-Wed-Thur 9-10:30 am, Tues 9 am - 12 pm and 1-3 pm. Neighbourhood Pantry (as available) corner of Erie St. S. and Marlborough St. E. (across form the Bell building). Warming Cross (as available) St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 311 Sherk St. St. Michaels, 29 Elliot St. The Bridge Youth (ages 14-24) 310 Sherk St. 226-773-3454. Food Pantry Parkdale Store and Auto Service, 40 Seacliff Dr. W. 7 am - 11 pm. Essex County Homelessness Hub 215 Talbot St. E. 519-326-8629 ext. 395 Drop-in daily 9 am - 5 pm and 10 pm - 8 am. Leamington Hope Centre 58 Erie St. S. 6 pm - 10 pm. ERIE SHORES TOASTMASTERS MEETING at 6:30 pm every other Wednesday at Leamington Library, 1 John St. Free to attend. Develop Communication and Leadership Skills in a positive, friendly environment. Next meeting dates are January 14 & 28, February 11 & 25. More info: email ErieShoresTM@yahoo. com, Facebook Erie Shores Toastmasters or go to ErieShores. toastmastersclubs.org. WHEATLEY BAPTIST CHURCH - 47 Talbot St. E. Everyone is welcome to come worship with us. Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Bible study Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. Adult fellowship Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. For more info call 519-825-7433.
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 Southpoint Sun — 11
2025 Year In Review
SEPTEMBER 2025 WWI cannon on its way to Ottawa
After 29 years, a beloved neighbourhood relic is being relocated. A 1915 First World War German cannon has been situated on the lawn of Pat and Gary Adams’ home on Crozier Crescent in Leamington since 1996. Gary, an avid collector
of many things, traded an antique train set to Len Phillips that year and had it installed on his front lawn. “The kids in the neighbourhood had a lot of fun over the years,” he says. “I’d hear Fire One! Fire Two!”
Community mourns loss of WSO director
The Windsor-Essex community has lost a talented, vibrant leader of the local arts community. Robert Franz, Music Director of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra (WSO), lost his second battle
with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on September 2. “Robert brought his incredible joy for live orchestral music to the Windsor Essex community,” says WSO Board President, Deborah Severs.
Raising awareness for PTSD - one step at a time
The Sea to Sea for PTSD team made their way through the area last week with stops in Wheatley and Kingsville. Chad Kennedy brought his emotional and powerful story to the Sun Parlour with help from local author Marcie Resendes, the Village Resource Centre in Wheatley,
Kingsville Legion Branch 188 and the Helping Our Heroes Fund. Kennedy is walking across Canada to raise funds and awareness about PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), telling his story in hopes that it will help others avoid some of the pitfalls along the way.
Hike Metal fulfills 10-vessel contract with last Bay Class ship
The final ship in a 10-vessel contract with the Canadian Coast Guard is getting its finishing touches at Hike Metal Products in Wheatley this week before being shipped off to Dartmouth, Nova Scotia sometime in October. The Bay Class search and rescue vessel Mira Bay was
designed and contracted by the Wheatley ship-building firm and fulfills a contract that’s been 10 years in the making. The Mira Bay is a 19-metre, 75-tonne ship that will be used for rescue missions along Canada’s coast — the longest coastline in the world.
OCTOBER 2025
Wheatley makes pitch for new TV series
It was truly a community coming together on the first evening of October as elected officials, members of the Wheatley Task Force and caring residents gathered on the vacant north-eastern lot in downtown Wheatley. Dressed in Sharks jerseys, waving fish on sticks and displaying what the town is all about, the crowd
was there as part of a pitch to be part of a new revitalization series on HGTV that begins filming in the new year. What began as a suggestion from a member of the Wheatley Task Force has led to putting a package together for jumpstarting the rebuild at the four corners.
Sensory pad opens at Kingsville’s Lakeside Park A collaboration between the Town of Kingsville and the Rotary Club of Kingsville Southshore led to a formal ribbon cutting on October 11 for a new addition at Lakeside Park. With recent updates to the park, the municipality sought a partner for an additional amenity, specifically an accessible sensory pad that would promote physical, mental and social well-being. The Rotary Club of Kingsville Southshore stepped up to the plate to be that partner and provided $15,000 in funding for the two concrete chess/checkers tables and the three interactive stencils – hopscotch, alphabet, buddy circle – that now take up a central position in the park.
New display coolers at Village Pantry Patrons at Wheatley’s Village Resource Centre will see a noticeable difference in how perishable items are displayed at the Village Pantry. That’s thanks to a couple of recent grants obtained by the Resource
Centre and help from the Tilbury Rotary Club. Two new display coolers and a display freezer now fill the wall of the pantry room, allowing customers to see the product.
The Laws named Folk Canada’s Estelle Klein Award recipients
Folk Canada has announced the 2025 Estelle Klein Award recipients. The Estelle Klein Award honours the work of an individual or group that has made significant contributions to Ontario’s folk music community, and is named after advocate and festival pioneer, Estelle Klein.
On board the Mira Bay, keeping watch over the stern, from left, are Hike Metal President Steve Ingram, C-K Councillor Lauren Anderson, MP Dave Epp, C-K Mayor Darrin Canniff, and Canadian Coast Guard representatives Michel Leger and Liam Pigott. SUN photo by Mark Ribble
Record crowds, vendors at this year’s Apple Festival The 46th Ruthven Apple Festival enjoyed beautiful weather on the weekend, attracting thousands to the grounds of Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens on Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28. The signature event for Community Living Essex County is a highlight of the fall festival season and drew people
from all over the province. “The 46th Annual Ruthven Apple Festival was one to remember. A record number of vendors, food trucks, guests, cars at the car show, and of course the most amazing weather,” said CLEC Manager of Community Relations and Resource Development Janell Violet.
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Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic adds another 800 patients An additional 800 unrostered patients will now have primary care in the Kingsville area. The Essex County Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic in Kingsville announced on Thursday, October 16 that they will be taking on another 800 patients very soon, in addition to the 1,200 patients originally
rostered in May of 2024. Anthony Leardi, MPP for Essex, was on hand to make the announcement on behalf of the Ontario government. The funding for the project is supplied from an ongoing stream through the Ontario Health Team.
Leamington goes with in-person voting for 2026
The Municipality of Leamington has decided that in-person voting will be the method used in the upcoming 2026 municipal election. At the October 14 council
meeting, the four voting methods were outlined to council with the pros, cons and costs for each method.
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The honours are divided into two areas of recognition, The Community Builder Award, and The Lifetime Achievement Award. The recipients of the Community Builder Award are John and Michele Law of Kingsville.
NEW LOCATION
221 Talbot Street West, Leamington
12 — Southpoint Sun
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
2025 Year In Review NOVEMBER 2025
LDSS demolition reaching next stage
The Municipality of Leamington has announced they are advancing to the next phase of demolition of the former Leamington District Secondary School, located at 125 Talbot Street West. A contractor working on behalf of the Munic-
ipality has begun abatement activities, including the safe removal of hazardous materials within the building. Exterior demolition is anticipated to begin in the new year and is expected to be completed in spring 2026.
Mennonite Home shines bright at Diamond celebration
The Leamington Mennonite Home (LMH) marked a shining milestone this past weekend as the community gathered to celebrate its 60th Diamond Anniversary — six decades of faith-based commitment, compassion, and community.
Held at Mastronardi Estate Winery, the Diamond Celebration brought together over 330 community members, residents, families, and supporters for a night filled with gratitude, joy, and reflection.
Province invests in upgrade to Wheatley’s management unit By Mark Ribble A $10 million investment from the Ontario government will help two fisheries management facilities — one in Wheatley and one in Port Dover. The announcement was made on Friday, October 31 at the Lake Erie Management Unit at Wheatley Harbour. Ontario’s Minister of Natural Resources Mike Harris was on hand to make the announcement along with
local officials including Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Trevor Jones. The investment by the province ensures a long-term presence at Wheatley and Port Dover by the Management Unit, where important research is done on the Great Lakes commercial fishing industry. Several local fishermen were also in attendance to hear the announcement.
KINGSVILLE SANTA CLAUS PARADE Santa Claus arrived in Kingsville by fire truck Saturday night, November 15, to signal the end of the annual Christmas parade which included marching bands, floats, horses, farm equipment, old vehicles, service clubs and more. Brother and sister Fletcher Nobel, age 7, and Addison Nobel, age 10, are dressed for the season as they wait for the start of the Kingsville Santa Claus Parade. Deanna Bertrand photo
Gathered after the $10 million announcement at the Wheatley Harbour are Essex MPP Anthony Leardi, Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff, Chatham-Kent Councillor Lauren Anderson, Chatham-Kent Essex MPP and Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Trevor Jones, Executive Director, Ontario Commercial Fisheries’ Association Vito Figliomeni and Ontario Minister of Natural Resources Mike Harris.
Community Living receives grant for Future Proof project A November 14 announcement made at the Community Living Essex County (CLEC) office marked a $104,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The Resilience Communities Fund
grant marks the successful completion of CLEC’s Future Proof Project, an initiative designed to modernize systems, strengthen service delivery, and build organizational resilience.
Stacey Omstead raises $18,900 for cancer care in memory of her mom
On Sunday, November 16, local resident Stacey Omstead shaved her head to support cancer care at Erie Shores HealthCare, raising an extraordinary $18,900 in memory of her mother, Maeve Omstead. “The hospital and our community were
always important to my mom,” said Stacey. “In honour of her and the way she lived her life, I wanted to give back, just like the title of her book, ‘A Gift of Love.’ I am so grateful to everyone who supported me throughout my campaign.”
Santa makes his way to Leamington
By Mark Ribble The snow waited until the perfect time to arrive in Leamington on Saturday, November 29, as the annual Chamber of Commerce Santa Claus Parade made its way up Erie Street to the delight of thousands of kids of all ages. The cold night was highlighted by the
sights and sounds of Christmas coming up the street but the predicted snow didn’t materialize until the final float — Santa’s float — arrived at the town hall. It was then that snow began to fall in earnest with a backdrop of fireworks going off to celebrate the arrival of the season.
Century-old wreck uncovered by seiche When Matt Vermette went for a walk along Kingsville’s Lake Erie Shoreline on Wednesday, November 26, he hoped to spot some small trinkets and treasures uncovered by the seiche that was created by the strong southwesterly winds. What
he found was a shipwreck in the lakebed that dates back over 100 years. The hull of a schooner sat visible about 200-300 yards out in the lake as the water had receded to fully display the vessel.
Province providing free vaccines
Every Ontario resident six months and older can now receive flu and COVID-19 vaccines at participating pharmacies, public health units and doctor and nurse practitioner offices across the province.
Getting both the COVID-19 and the flu vaccines at the same time is safe and recommended to avoid multiple trips to a health-care provider.
Santa arrives in Leamington along with 71 parade entries. Mrs. Claus waves to the crowd as she and Santa arrive at the town hall area.
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14 — Southpoint Sun
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
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HELP WANTED PINNACLE ACRES REQUIRES Full time greenhouse general labourers. $17.60/hr 50+ hours, 7 days/wk. Must be available Saturday & Sunday. Work site: 333 County Rd 18, Leamington ON, rural setting, must have own transportation. Crop maintenance and harvesting, other duties as required. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40lbs on a repetitive basis, fast paced environment, strong work ethic, punctual, reliable. No experience or education required. Please apply via email: careers@ pinnacle-acres.com
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Wednesday, December 31, 2025 Southpoint Sun — 15
ANSWERS ON PAGE 14
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Strange things are happening, Aries. It may be better to go with the flow right now. You might like the change that ensues, and the change in pace could be a positive. TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Better days are ahead, Taurus. It’s just a matter of having a little patience and waiting a little longer for things to settle down. Start a new project to take your mind off things. GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Make the most of time spent with friends and family this week, Gemini. You may need to step away for a little while, so cherish this time you get to spend with those you love. CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, someone special is able to take a peek into your inner thoughts this week. Their ability to see you so personally could reinforce your outlook. LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 You might feel a bit melancholic as the holiday season nears its end, Leo. It’s understandable based on how much has been going on. Maintain a strong social calendar. VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, generosity is an admirable trait, and now is a good time to indulge your love of helping others. Make a concerted effort to pitch in where your assistance is necessary.
Note: answers may use American spelling
ANSWERS ON PAGE 14
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 When one door closes, another door opens, Libra. Look at all of the positive things in your life and embrace the great changes that are coming your way. This is an exciting
time for you. SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, there are so many things going on right now but you can still function effectively. The pace might be hectic right now, but things will calm down soon enough. SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 A relationship is blooming, Sagittarius, and you’re not sure how you feel about it just yet. Take a few more weeks to work through all of your feelings.. CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 You have an eye for deals, Capricorn. Even though you have been spending a lot this past month, you can’t resist a discount on some post-holiday sales. AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Take a firm hold of your finances for the next few weeks, Aquarius. Overspending could complicate an important relationship if you’re not careful. Curb any purchases for a few days. PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 You are not sure how to harness your artistic energy this week, Pisces. You might take a class or engage in a hobby that interests you. Redesigning a room in a home also might be an idea. FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS DECEMBER 28 - John Legend, Singer (47) DECEMBER 29 - Jude Law, Actor (53) DECEMBER 30 - Kristin Kreuk, Actress (43) DECEMBER 31 - Evie Templeton, Actress (17) JANUARY 1 - Ice Spice, Rapper (26) JANUARY 2 - Dax Shepard, Actor (51) JANUARY 3 - Florence Pugh, Actress (30)
ANSWERS ON PAGE 14
Memories of... Kingsville, Leamington and Wheatley
16 — Southpoint Sun
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Photos from Kingsville-Gosfield Heritage Society 1790-2000 A Stroll Through Time
Cedar Beach Drug Store, owned by Red Morris, Photo courtesy of the Kingsville Archives offered drugs, toiletries, china and souvenirs for sale as well as providing a luncheon menu. Speed boat rides were available from the Cedar Beach Drug Store for 50 cents a ride for summer visitors renting a cabin or for cottagers not owning a boat. The boats could be taken through the placid canal or out into the rougher waters of Lake Erie. This photograph of an unidentified family, standing outside the Cedar Beach Drug Store, was taken in the late 1940s or early 1950s.
A Look at s Parlor PastHome, courtesy of C.Date Scott Holland OldLeamington’ photo of the Sun Leamington. unknown.
kingsvillearchives@gmail.com
Leamington’s Past courtesy of the C. Scott Holland Collection April 1973: Buckingham Real Estate edged Gulliver Insurance 2-1 to win the Midget hockey trophy. At left is captain Ken Dick who scored both goals with coach Randy Critchlow.
December 20, 1994 - The Leamington Acro-Ropers were the winners of the 6th Annual Acro-Ropers championship held in St. Hubert, Quebec. They were, front row, left to right: Megan Knight, Sarah Grieve, Rachel Carey, Heather Boyer, Veronica Watson. Back row: Tiffany Gartner, Nicola Bailey, coach Dave Granger and Jill Bruner.
Clippings from the Wheatley Journal, May 1989 Clippings from the Wheatley Journal
December 1985 - The 30-foot blue spruce that has graced the front lawn of Bill and Brenda
Submarine cycling - Ditches roselast foot afterand footwill following the Thursday rainfall Ruiter over the years was felled week, add a yuletide touch to evening the Leamington and these young lads wasted no timeseason. inventing a new game, Dock Restaurant during the Christmas The giant spruce was“submarine a struggle for cycling”. the six menIf nothing else,onit’s quick way to wash a used ten-speed to load thea flatbed transport trailer to haulbicycle! the tree to Leamington.
MEMORIES OF KINGSVILLE, LEAMINGTON & &WHEATLEY COURTESY OF ... MEMORIES OF KINGSVILLE, LEAMINGTON WHEATLEY PRESENTED PRESENTED COURTESY OF ...
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Looking back ...
From the Leamington Post December 30, 1970 Snowmobile operators appear to be behaving themselves at Seacliff Park. This was the evidence submitted to town council Monday night following the first substantial snowfall of the winter over the weekend. Parks committee chairman Glenn Parker said a few snowmobiles had been operating at the park on Sunday, but no complaints had been made about them. Extensive use was also made of the toboggan runs at the park. —— Fire which may have been caused by children playing with matches destroyed a barn on the Mersea Township farm of Clayton Setterington last Wednesday night. Flames levelled the 70 by 36-foot structure located on Concession 1 about a mile east of Gore Hill School. Leamington firemen were unable to do much except make sure the fire didn’t spread to nearby buildings. About 500 bales of straw, a farm wagon and old tobacco planter were destroyed inside the barn. —— Reverend Earl Young, pastor of Full Gospel Tabernacle in Leamington for the past two years, preached his farewell sermon on Sunday prior to leaving for Pembroke, where he has accepted a new charge. Reverend Guy Holmes of Parry Sound has been appointed the new pastor and is expected to arrive in January. —— Unworked gravel pits which scar the rural landscape in many parts of Mersea Township may be developed into recreational areas. Such a project is contemplated for one 50-acre site located northeast of the intersection of Mersea-Gosfield Townline and Concession 5. Leamington Sand and Gravel Ltd. of Windsor has submitted preliminary plans for the future development of its gravel pit holdings to township council. President D.J. Fauteux has said that their work there is coming to an end and the firm hopes to develop the area for commercial recreational use in the future. —— Leamington Johnston Construction Atoms came from behind to defeat Wallaceburg 4-2 in an exhibition hockey game Monday afternoon at Leamington Arena. Todd Hodgson sparked the Leamington attack with two goals and an assist. Single tallies went to Tim Hrynewich and Peter Neufeld. Jeff Lozon and Wayne Onishi were the marksmen for Wallaceburg. Hodgson put Leamington ahead 45 seconds after the opening faceoff when he grabbed a Rick Riediger pass and scored. Lozon then tied the score when he split the defence and fired the puck into the lower corner of the Leamington net, beating goalie Phil Wiper. The visitors went ahead quickly when Onishi scored on a breakaway. Hodgson tied it from Riediger and Hyrnewich before Hrynewich scored what would prove to be the winner just moments later from Hodgson and Norman Tober. Neufeld’s insurance marker put it out of reach with assists to Paul Woelk and Gord Stevenson. —— In Midget House League hockey play on Monday afternoon, Rotary Club took a tough 2-1 decision over Town and Country Insurance. In the showdown
for first place, Rotary won the goaltender duel that took place between Rotary’s Frank Salive and T&C’s Gene Biekx. Jim Willan and John Vanderbeek scored for Rotary, while Ed Dick got one back for Town and Country. Rotary’s Charles Hyatt and Town and Country’s Rick Van Every each received misconducts when they were involved in a dust up in the third period. From the Kingsville Reporter December 27, 1973 Santa Claus arrived in Kingsville on schedule Saturday afternoon to greet the children and ride in his miniature sleigh for the fourth annual Kingsville Kinsmen and Kinette Santa Claus Parade. The parade commenced from Kingsville District High School, led by the Kingsville and Essex Associated Band under the leadership of Bandmaster Jim Barnett. Following the parade, Santa, assisted by his helper Nancy Sanford, distributed bags of goodies to all children present at the Lions Club Hall. Several children had their pictures taken with Santa and the Kinettes provided coffee for the parents while they waited. Santa then visited 10 children at five homes in Kingsville who were unable to attend because of illness. Santa concluded his busy afternoon with a visit to Leamington District Memorial Hospital where all children in the children’s ward and other patients were provided with goodie bags. Paul Guerrieri was this year’s parade chairman, assisted by Ron Lougheed, Shane McKinnon, Alex DelBrocco and John Setterington. —— The tenders for the Kingsville Gosfield South Arena were considered by both councils at a meeting on Thursday evening last. Before the tenders were opened, both councils agreed to waive the penalty clause due to the problem of securing the tenders on time. The bids for the arena were very competitive with Ampath Construction of Leamington getting the nod in the amount of $402,336. Amfro Refrigeration was given the refrigeration contract for $42,000. From the Wheatley Journal December 23,1943 • The men who participated in the great bank robbery in Wheatley on September 10 last, were sentenced on Tuesday. The trial, held in Chatham, ended after the jury, after five hours of deliberation, found all five men guilty. The sentences ranged from seven to 15 years. • Three local ladies were recently featured in the Windsor Star. Miss Elaine Hyatt and Miss Kathleen Hyatt of Romney and Miss Doris Julien of Wheatley all joined the RCAF Women’s Division in Windsor. • At a time when there are more young people on holiday furlough in the village, from the Armed Forces, the joy of the fact is tempered with the daily announcements of more of our boys landing safely in England. It is hoped that this will be the last Christmas that will see the families separated by war. • The fishing season locally has closed for the 1943 season, and the local fishermen are now enjoying a well-earned rest. The past season has been one of the best, with good catches and high prices.